Region 1-2A boys: Bay shuts out Florida High

PANAMA CITY — It wasn’t so much what Bay did on the soccer field on Tuesday, but what it didn’t do that could stand out if the Tornadoes are to make a deep run in the postseason.

Bay blanked overmatched Tallahassee Florida High 5-0 at Tommy Oliver Stadium in the Region 1-2A quarterfinal. It marked the second time in the Tornadoes’ history they have advanced past the opening round, with the initial occurrence last season. Bay fell in the regional final in 2011 and is poised to possibly advance that far again.

Tuesday’s win was workmanlike, with Bay notching 21 shots to Florida High’s six. The Seminoles (6-9-4) had little penetration in the first half and the Tornadoes (18-6-2) controlled the action.

However, there were squandered opportunities for additional goals for Bay, including allowing the ball to pass through the goalkeeper’s box untouched on four corner kicks in the first half. There were more shots to be had with offensive openings, but instead of being assertive, players would dribble and ultimately lose the ball. Bay coach Ron Houpt also noted from the sideline there were times with a lack of movement to the ball on offense.

Still, the Tornadoes were the dominant team and never threatened.

Ashton Hicks scored Bay’s first two goals on kicks from the right side in the first six minutes of the match. Jacob Wright supplied the first assist and Alec Lippmann the second. Nick Fasbinder poked in a carom when Jarod Wilkins’ shot on goal initially was saved by Conner Jackson for a 3-0 Bay lead at halftime.

The advantage could have been greater and Houpt pleaded for someone, anyone to simply put a head on the ball.

“We started off good,” Hicks said. “Then when we got up 3-0 we let off the gas. You have to make good on those chances.”

Hicks added Bay was able to use its speed to advantage. Florida High defenders had trouble marking up with the Tornadoes’ quicker forwards.

Sean Lane assisted Dylan McCormick six minutes into the second half and Wilkins connected with Fasbinder with four minutes to play to make good on the fifth and final corner kick of the match. Bay keeper Gunner Thrasher made five saves, but none required a fantastic effort to keep the ball out of the net.

Bay hosts Pensacola Catholic, which defeated Wakulla 2-1 on Tuesday, in Friday’s 7 p.m. regional semifinal. Bay defeated Pensacola Catholic 5-1 last week for the District 1-2A title.

That said, Hicks knows that history doesn’t always repeat itself, even when being favored to win. He added it will take a more focused effort to move on to the program’s second regional championship match.

“It’s about taking care of your chances,” Hicks said. “Those missed chances can come back to get you in the end.”