Bainbridge Soccer steam rolls through early portion of region play and prepare for collision course with Peach County
Published 12:29 pm Wednesday, March 12, 2025
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The Bainbridge Bearcats soccer program had an extraordinary week on the field, showcasing their athletic prowess with remarkable victories. The boys’ team delivered an impressive 11-1 and 10-0 wins against Monroe and Westover, demonstrating their relentless offensive attack and solid defense. Meanwhile, the girls’ team dominated their matches, securing a commanding 10-0 victory over Monroe and a 6-0 shutout against the Patriots. Both teams’ performances reflect their dedication, skill, and teamwork, leaving a lasting impression on their opponents and fans alike. The Bearcats continue establishing themselves as formidable contenders in the 3A Area 1 region.
“Anytime you win is good, starting 2-0 in the region,” BHS boys and girls soccer coach Brian Hill said. “Is the start we wanted with our goal to win the region.”
The girls’ Bearcat soccer program now sits at (4-3, 2-0) and the boys’ Bearcats are (5-2, 2-0).
The girls got off to a resounding start against Monroe, leading 7-0 after 40 minutes, and scored three more goals in the second half. Senior, forward, and midfielder No. 3 Addison Hill had a remarkable performance scoring a hat-trick and adding three assists by occupying a central role on the field and being critical in both defending and attacking plays.
No. 15 senior, midfielder, and defender Emma Shirley and No. 20 junior, Lydia Bentley each had two goals against Monroe. Shirley tacked on two assists. No. 7 senior, midfielder and defender Abigail Holley added a goal and an assist. Freshman, defender, and striker No. 22 Kylashia Miller converted a goal to give the Bearcats a resounding win.
Then they had a similar display on the field holding a 5-0 edge against Westover at Centennial Field last Thursday and tacked on one more goal to win 6-0 and expand their goal differential in region play.
The Lady Bearcats would take a commanding 4-0 lead within the first 11 minutes of action with three by Hill and one by No. 23 sophomore midfielder Drew Thompson. Hill would tack on her fourth and fifth goal of the afternoon in the 37th and 59th minute of play, she also had one assist in the blowout win. No. 15 Shirley had two assists in the win, and No. 7 midfielder/defender Holley and midfielder/defender Bentley each added an assist. Senior goalie No. 0 Emma Watson was dominant behind the net again as she is No. 1 in 3A Region 1 in goals against and third in all of Class 3A.
In an unparalleled display of athleticism and precision, No. 13, junior midfielder Angel Bonilla-Ortiz showcased incredible prowess by netting seven goals in a span of 80 minutes. BHS’ relentless drive and exceptional technique left the opposition’s defense scrambling, making it a historic performance that will be remembered.
The Bearcats poured it on early, leading 9-0 at intermission against Monroe, and would tack on two goals in the second half during the first region win of the season for Coach Brian Hill’s group.
No. 22 junior, Henry Vanstrone had a big performance himself scoring two goals and adding three assists. No. 19 sophomore, halfback added two assists to the scoring parade.
In soccer, “HB” typically stands for “Half Back,” which is an older term for a midfielder. The role of a halfback, or midfielder, is crucial as they connect the defense and offense, helping to both defend and create scoring opportunities. Modern soccer more commonly uses terms like “central midfielder,” “defensive midfielder,” or “attacking midfielder” to describe these players.
No. 3, junior half-back Reece Atkinson had a stellar day on the pitch with his two assists, freshman half-back No. 15 William Garcia got into the action scoring a goal and adding an assist to the scoring column.
No. 12 junior midfielder, Olegario Villegas-Ramos, added a goal to the already thrilling scoring spree, showcasing his remarkable talent and on-field finesse.
Angel continued his remarkable week scoring four more goals in the decisive triumph of the Westover Patriots. No. 3 halfback and midfielder Atkinson had a goal and an assist, No. 10 junior Jose Bonilla-Ortiz had an assist in his return to the pitch, no. 12 Villegas-Ramos, Garcia, and Vanstone all had a goal and an assist. Vanstone’s goal came via a penalty kick late in the match. Sophomore goalie Geovanny Alcantar-Grandos was stellar behind the net going 80 minutes without giving up a goal.
“He always has a soccer ball by his foot, he loves practicing, playing, and the grind of soccer,” Hill said concerning Angel Bonilla-Ortiz’s style of play leading to eleven goals in the past two games. “All the hours he puts in is showing.”
The BHS soccer program continued their winning ways on the pitch when they hosted the Dougherty Trojans Tuesday night. with the girls’ winning 10-0 and the boys’ winning impressively 8-1. BHS will head to Fort Valley, Georgia, on Friday night to clash with Peach County in a pivotal 3A Area 1 matchup for the girls and boys, where the top two teams will battle for supremacy. The girls will play at 5:30 p.m. followed by the boys at 7:30 p.m.
