Friday Sports: Final 4 preview of Lisbon Girls’ Soccer, football post-season highlights

LISBON, New York (WWNY) - A Final Four soccer preview of the Lisbon Girls’ Soccer Team and a couple of state football games involving Section 10 teams were on the bracket Friday night.

We start with the Lisbon Girls’ Soccer Team who will be in search of their 20th win of the season and a trip to the State Class D Championship game Saturday at Homer High School, as they meet undefeated Fillmore in the State Class D Semifinals.

It was a season of firsts for both the players and coaches.

”I knew that this year was gonna be special and that they were capable of getting there. I think this is so new to me as a younger coach and them. There’s never been a girls’ team to do this,” said Courtney LaBeau, the Lisbon Girls’ Soccer Coach.

”It kind of caught me by surprise a little bit, but I knew we had the potential. I could see it from last year that this year was gonna be a good year for us,” said player Gabby Richardson.

The players say the key to winning both an NAC Championship and a Section 10 title en route to the State Final 4 has been hard work and dedication both on and off the field.

”I think we have grown a lot as a group and our communication has gotten much better since last year, which has translated onto the field,” said Leah Warren.

”I think being present, like coming to practice on time and ready to prepare for the next step. One step at a time,” said Rachel LaRock.

”During practice, we work a lot on possession and communication and we definitely have put that into our game. We communicate a lot and have good passing and through balls,” said Allison Bell.

Win or lose, the 2023 Lisbon Girls’ Soccer Team has set the standard for future teams with a season to remember.

”It’s a dream come true but also giving something in younger athletes, something to look forward to and say ‘this is attainable.’ If you meet expectations, and you set goals, and you work hard at it every single day, that it is possible,” said LaBeau.

On the gridiron, the State Class C Semifinal from Plattsburgh as Gouverneur met Saranac Central.

In the 4th quarter, the Wildcats were down 10-0 when Holden Stowell hit Raine Rumble from a couple of yards out: Gouverneur down 10-7.

With under 30 seconds left, it’s Stowell to Rumble from 10 yards out and the Wildcats take the lead 13-10.

Saranac Central looks to kick a field goal to tie it, but it’s short.

Gouverneur comes back to beat Saranac Central 13-10.

In the State Class B Regional Semifinal at Potsdam, OFA met Peru.

Madden West hands off to Andrew Loffler who cuts to the left for the 20-yard touchdown run: 6-0 Blue Devils in the first.

Peru’s Zach Engstrom gets his blockers for a 50 yard touchdown, 14-6 Nighthawks lead to start the third quarter.

Peru’s Ethan Breen launches the ball to Landon Duprey for a 35-yard bomb to the end zone for the score. 20-12 Nighthawks in the fourth.

Ogdensburg attempted to mount a comeback off a 2 yard rush by Andrew Loffler with 46 seconds remaining in the game however, the Blue Devils fail to convert the two point conversion.

Peru beats OFA 20-18.

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