By ROY HESS|Staff Writer
The Hanna Golden Eagles are on the rise in the Class 6A soccer playoffs at just the right time.
There are five seniors for the Eagles who are leading the way in the postseason.
They are midfielders Hector Quintero and Aldo Gonzalez, forward Kevin Ochoa, defender Miguel Payan and goalkeeper/midfielder Ricardo Sandate.
“ It’s very good to be a member of this team and this family,” Sandate said. “We’re giving everything we have in every game. Above all else, this is a team of humility with players that are giving a maximum effort.”
The Eagles (15-7-3) go against San Antonio Reagan (15-8-2) at 4 p.m. Friday in the Region IV-6A Tournament semifinals at Brownsville Sports Park. Both teams are the No. 3 playoff seeds from their respective districts.
“ It feels great because after six years this team is back in the regional tournament,” said Gonzalez, a center midfielder. “Being back there at regionals means history for the school.
“ This is a team that is always together,” he added. “We support each other. We don’t want to let anyone down. Our (regular) season wasn’t all that great (as we finished third in District 32-6A), but thank God, we’re back on track.”
Added Quintero, a midfielder on the right wing, “Getting to the regional tournament was a goal I had for this team since I was a freshman. We got stuck in the third round (previously). This year we knew it was our last year (as seniors) to take leadership on the field. We have a young team, so it’s a good experience for everyone getting to regionals.”
The Eagles opened the playoffs with a 3-0 bi-district win at Edinburg High and followed it with a come-from-behind 3-2 triumph against Laredo United South during the area round. Hanna’s 4-2 victory against fellow 32-6A member Harlingen South last Friday at Brownsville Sports Park in the regional quarterfinals clinched the Eagles’ first trip to the regional tournament since 2013, when they went all the way to the state final.
“ It’s real nice to be going to the regional tournament,” Eagles coach Reyes Prado said. “It means we have the chance of advancing. So many good teams are not there, so we’re very blessed and proud of being in this position.
“ This group of seniors is a very special group,” Prado added. “They haven’t been to regionals before. We’ve been so close, but we haven’t made the jump. Now we’re crossing that barrier, and these guys are promising that we’re going to do the best we can to take the next step.
“ I’m very proud of these guys, and I’m very thankful God has given me the opportunity to coach this great group. Hopefully, we can extend our season a little more.”
Two key members for the Eagles are Ochoa on the offensive end and Payan on the defensive end.
“ To be a senior on this team means a lot because the other players look to you for leadership,” said Payan, who is a defender on the right side. “I try to be a role model. I’ve been on the varsity four years and the past years we’ve wanted to get far, but we haven’t been able to achieve it. Being a part of this season with a team like this one has been very unique and special because we all get along together so well and we’re bonding.”
Added Ochoa, “We’re supporting each other. Together as a team, we can do it.”