The Grace Christian Academy Cougars are the 2017 GICAA South Region Champions after a convincing 3-0 victory at home against the Peachtree Panthers.

The Cougars also honored their seniors during the match at halftime. The seniors include, Sam McRae, Corban Walsingham, Collin Woodrum and Gavyn Albritton.

The Cougars opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Defender Sam McRae burst through from the midfield down the right side drawing two Panther defenders with him and then crossed the ball to the front of the goal where forward Gavyn Albritton was able to put the ball in the net for his 11th goal of the season. Later in the 31st minute, McRae made another great run from the defensive back and had his shot blocked by the Panthers keeper, who was unable to wrap the ball up. Midfielder Spence Butler was there to head the rebound in from McRae’s shot for his second goal of the season and gave the Cougars a 2-0 lead at halftime.

In the second half, the Cougars were in command with the Panthers only getting three shots on goal the entire match. Midfielder Jack Holden was able to score on a break away from about 40 yards out to net his sixth goal of the season.

The Cougars would go on to win 3-0 against a feisty Panthers squad who the Cougars may very well see again in the playoffs.

“I can’t say enough about how this team is playing right now,” coach Mike Albritton said. “This is our eighth straight win in a row and it’s all happening due to these young men coming together and staying focused. The defense is just playing lights out along with strong play from our keeper DeAndre Rogers. When you have speed, size,and smart play from your defense, you become very hard to beat.”

By winning the GICAA South Region, the Cougars road to a state championship becomes much easier with home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Cougars next play the Open Bible Warriors in Valdosta, GA on Sept. 26. The state playoffs begin at home on Oct. 3.