Derrick Burgess began implementing his plan three years ago, his first as Cross Keys varsity boys soccer coach.
Tonight that plan comes to fruition, when Cross Keys steps on the pitch at Mercer University to play in its first ever state championship game. The Indians will face undefeated juggernaut St. Pius X at 7:30 p.m.
St. Pius (21-0) has won two straight state championships and four in the last six years. The Golden Lions defeated Cross Keys 2-0 in February. The Indians (15-3-1) have never played in a soccer state championship game. In all sports, Cross Keys has only won two state championships (1961 wrestling, 2002 boys basketball). But Burgess isn’t worried.
“We’re prepared for this,” Burgess said. “We’re going into this game with nothing to lose. We’ve already made history. We’re prepared to become legend.”
Burgess’ three-year plan began by establishing an identity for the Cross Keys program. He wanted it to become a tradition that comes with a sense of pride to play Cross Keys soccer. He sold his vision to middle-school players that were prepping to enter the program. This year’s run is just the beginning.
Cross Keys features a pair of dynamic offensive weapons in juniors Gilberto Ramos (18 goals, 16 assists) and Roberto Martinez (16 goals, 15 assists) and a playmaking keeper in Alexis Briceno. Briceno, one of only a handful of seniors receiving significant minutes, scored and made the decisive save during penalty kicks in the Indians’ opening playoff win over Carrollton.
The entire Cross Keys team will be tested by a powerful St. Pius squad that trailed for only the second time all season in the semifinals. Woodward Academy scored two quick goals midway through the first half to grab a 2-1 lead over St. Pius on Tuesday. It wouldn’t last long.
“We just needed to make a midfield adjustment,” St. Pius coach David O’Shea said.
The Golden Lions roared to a 5-2 victory and are back in the state championship game for a third straight season. Edmundo Robinson scored twice, and Austin Fain, Luc Patberg and Louie Aponte added goals for St. Pius in the win over Woodward Academy.
St. Pius has allowed only five goals all season, but knows it will be tested by Cross Keys.
“They’re a good, solid team,” O’Shea said of the Indians.
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