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EXTRA TIME: Previewing the 2025 UIL Soccer State Finals--Stratford v. FM Marcus (Girls 6A-D2)
The pinnacle of the UIL soccer season has arrived, with teams and their fanbases heading to Birkelbach Field in Georgetown for an unforgettable finish.
Kicking off Saturday’s events, the 6A-Division II state final between Stratford and Flower Mound Marcus promises to be a clash of titans.
Stratford has already made history by reaching the state semifinals for the first time, and they’ve taken it a step further with a thrilling 1-0 victory over Austin powerhouse Vandegrift last Friday.
This victory not only earned them a spot in the final but also extended their winning streak to 19 games.
The Spartans, now 22-2-3, have been one of the most dominant teams in the state, combining an effective offense with a disciplined defense.
With 143 goals scored in 27 games (roughly five per match) and only 14 goals conceded, Stratford has been a force to be reckoned with.
Under the leadership of coach David Walters, the Spartans have relied on their veteran captains— Auburn-signee Allison Goodwin (F), Ryann Weber (MF/Samford), Mary-Charlotte Paul (MF), and goalkeeper Olivia Harbison—who have been pivotal throughout their postseason run.
The same can be said for SHSU-commit Sara Benton (Jr. MF) and junior forward Sydney Valentine.
Though they are ranked No. 32 in Texas according to MaxPreps, Stratford has an opportunity to finish at the top of the 6A-Division II rankings with a win on Saturday.
Flower Mound Marcus, from Lewisville ISD, enters the final battle-tested and looking for their third state title.
No. 17-ranked Marcus (18-4-3) has enjoyed yet another tremendous postseason, defeating the defending 6A champions, Prosper, 1-0 last Tuesday, followed by a solid 2-0 win against Forney on Friday.
This marks their eighth appearance in the state tournament, and they’re aiming to add to their championship legacy, having last won the title in 2023 with a 2-0 victory over Ridge Point.
The Erin Smith-led Marauders boast a roster full of talent, with key players such as senior forwards Maddie Hayes and Emma Fioretti (Central Oklahoma-commit), junior defender Piper Garcia (American U), and senior midfielders Hannah Campos and Zemira Dube (Missouri Southern), all of whom have played critical roles in the team’s success.
Senior goalkeeper Aubrey Tipton has also been a standout, consistently coming through in crucial moments, while sophomore captain Ryleigh Albin anchors the back-line.
Saturday’s opener between Stratford and Flower Mound Marcus is sure to be a spectacle, as the two battle for 6A-D2 supremacy at 11:00 AM at Birkelbach Field.
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Blayne Toll
VYPE Arkansas Top 25 Recruits Class of 2020
Credit for this impressive list of talent is given to the guys at Arkansas Football Rankings visit their list at http://arkansasfootballrankings.com/.
1.Blayne Toll Hazen High School Athlete
2.Jashaud Stewart Jonesboro High School Linebacker
3.Jacolby Criswell Morrilton High School Quarterback
4.Robert Scott Conway High School Offensive Tackle
5.Catrell Wallace Bryant High School Defensive End
6.Erin Smith North Little Rock High SchoolOffensive Tackle
7.Brandon Thomas North Little Rock High School Running Back
8.Quade Mosier Fayetteville High School Linebacker
9.Chris Hightower Little Rock Christian Wide Receiver
10.Kendarius Moore West Memphis High School Linebacker
11.Jay Burns Har-Ber High School Running Back
12.Jajuan Boyd Springdale High School Defensive Back
13.Rashaad Muhammad North Little Rock High School Defensive End
14.Hunter Wood Har-Ber High School Wide Receiver
15.Connor Flannigan Fayetteville High School Wide Receiver
16.Chris Harris Dumas High School Athlete
17.Kevin Crompton Watson Chapel High School Defensive Back
18.Jaden Kelly Pulaski Academy Wide Receiver
19.Bryant Burns Ozark High School Linebacker
20.JB Brown Har-Ber High School Linebacker
21.Derriun Thompson Prescott High School Athlete
22.Micah Seawood Har-Ber High School Wide Receiver
23.Jaxson Sanders White Hall High School Offensive Line
24.DJ Russell Dumas High School Athlete
25.Jaden Nash Benton High School Wide Receiver