The Cougars reached the final vs. defending champ Parkland Douglas by winning close games.
By STEVE LEE
Published February 21, 2004
FORT LAUDERDALE - Now that Durant has hurdled the state semifinal hump, the ultimate obstacle looms in tonight's Class 6A championship game.
And what a bump that will be to get over.
The Cougars, whose 2-0 win over Miami Palmetto marked their first in three consecutive semifinals, square off against Parkland Douglas, a defending state champion in its third final.
"Are we the underdog? Sure," Durant coach Dick Sheffield said. "But we're not going to roll over and play dead."
The Cougars have mastered winning close games of late. Three of six postseason games were decided by one goal, including region tournament wins on penalty kicks against Wellington and Stuart Martin County. And Durant played a scoreless first half in the Miami Palmetto game.
"Pretend we're down 2-0," Sheffield said of the pep talks he gives his team during close games. "The intensity level doesn't stop. If we fall behind, we can come back."
With Durant leading Palmetto 1-0 on Alicia Tirelli's second-half goal, Sheffield had his players press. Durant controlled play the rest of the way and clinched it on K.K. Kelly's goal.
Winning a semifinal was especially rewarding for Sheffield since "we didn't have to go into overtime to do it," he said. "I'm sure every parent up there (in the Lockhart Stadium stands) is saying, "Thank you for not putting us in overtime.' "
Unlike Palmetto, Parkland Douglas has dual scoring threats in Toni-Marie Hudson (43 goals) and Brianna Schooley (31).
Sheffield, though, has confidence in his defensive trio of Raelynn Wapinsky, Emily Stutzman and Brigette Wightman.
"All three of my backs can handle any kind of speed," Sheffield said. "They're fast and they don't panic."
CLASS 6A STATE FINAL
WHO: Durant (19-4-3) vs. Parkland Douglas (27-1-1).
WHEN: Tonight at 7:30.
WHERE: Lockhart Stadium, Fort Lauderdale.
ADMISSION: $7, FHSAA passes only.
HOW THEY GOT THERE: State semifinals - Durant defeated Miami Palmetto 2-0 to win its first semifinal in three consecutive tries. Parkland Douglas, which beat Winter Park 2-1 (5-3 in penalty kicks), is in its third consecutive final and goes for back-to-back state titles. Last season, the Eagles defeated Wellington for the 4A crown.
DIRECTIONS: Take Interstate 75 south toward Naples. At Exit 19, take I-595 east to Exit 10A. Take I-95 north to Exit 32 (State Road 870/Commercial Boulevard). Turn left on W Commercial Boulevard/NW 50th Street. Turn right on NW 12th Avenue/Oriole Boulevard. The stadium is at 5201 NW 12th Avenue. Call (954) 202-3420.
