Editor’s Note: The Advocate & Democrat contacted Tellico Plains coach Miguel Ovalle for comment, but did not receive a response prior to publication.
It did not take long for Abram Torres to score the first goal of the postseason his senior year.
Only 15 seconds were gone in the District 3-A quarterfinal when the moment came.
And the goal led to an avalanche, as host Sweetwater slammed seven in through the first half en route to a 9-0 win over Tellico Plains on May 2.
“We had a very good start and kept possession of the ball throughout the first 15 to 20 minutes. After that, it was very easy for us to keep the ball in attack and on their side,” Sweetwater coach Ricardo Torres said.
A pair of underclassmen led the Wildcats in scoring. Sophomore Javi Alvarez and freshman Bryce Teutimez bagged braces in the win while two more freshmen, a sophomore, a junior and senior Torres got on the score sheet.
“If we can get at least half the team or most of the team scoring a goal that would be great. It shows that we are a very balanced team,” Ricardo Torres added. “We have some younger players scoring their first goal of the season. That is a plus — they can get confidence going as we move on in the playoffs.”
Two minutes after the opening goal, Noah Hardin headed home a ball from Josiah Hardin, doubling Sweetwater’s lead.
Teutimez found the third goal of the game before Cy Prince pushed the hosts ahead 4-0 in the 25th minute.
Alvarez scored in the 29th and 33rd minutes before Teutimez rounded out his brace ahead of halftime.
“I want to say healthy — that is our first concern. Besides that, consistency with the way we want to play — playing simple and triangulation in passing,” Ricardo Torres said.
Colton Holder converted a penalty in the second half before Angel Quintino’s goal wrapped up the offensive showcase.
“Thankful to these players for wanting to be in this stage of the season and wanting to still be in the tournament,” Ricardo Torres said. “Thank you to the fans for the support from the fans and the community. I can tell there is a difference from other years of coaching.
“That can make a difference, fans can make a difference in any sport.”
Sweetwater advances into the District 3-A semifinals where the Wildcats will face the winner of No. 6 Polk County and No. 3 McMinn Central.
Elsewhere, No. 5 Tyner Academy faces No. 4 Brainerd while top-seed CSLA has a bye into the semifinals.
“We want to include more on the things we need to improve. That gives us the secureness of playing safe and building up. I am a fan of building up instead of playing long balls,” Ricardo Torres added. “The triangulation is a key.”
A semifinal win earns a berth in the District 3-A championship and the Region 2-A tournament.
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