Stratford and FPD to battle in GIAA Class AAAA girls soccer state finale, Trinity Christian in AA finale (weekend's schedule)

The Sports Report

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          One neighbor will go to bed Friday night happy, the other won’t sleep so well.

          And that might be the case for a few nights after Stratford and FPD battle for the GIAA Class AAAA girls state soccer title.

          They’ll go at it for the third time this season at 8 p.m., at Mercer’s Betts Stadium, the Bears’ soccer facility.

          Trinity Christian opens action Friday against Westminster Christian, followed by Westminster of Augusta and Frederica, and then the Eaglettes and Vikings.

          The GIAA still hasn’t listed times on its website or brackets, for boys or girls.

          Saturday’s boys championships: Trinity Christian vs. Westminster Christian, Westminster/ of Augusta vs. Holy Spirit, and Tattnall vs. St. Anne-Pacelli (at 6 p.m.).

          Stratford (16-2) is going for its first state title since 2012-13, in the GISA. The Eaglettes knocked off Deerfield-Windsor 8-0 in that 3A finale. FPD was in the GHSA back then.

          FPD (16-1) last took home hardware in 2018 as GHSA Class A/Private champ, beating Athens Academy 2-0 in the championship. Stratford lost 3-0 to Savannah Country Day in the first round that year.

          The Vikings lost in the semifinals 3-1 to Westminster in their final year in the GISA.

          Both teams – one a chunk more than the other - bring youth into Friday night’s third battle of the season. Stratford has only three seniors: Ann Marie Sikes, Jean Hightower, and Gracie Jorgensen. FPD has nine: Jarrett Ward, Ellie Dukes, Emily Jones, Tate Garrison< Callie Kate Ware, Mary Holland Mathews, Sarah Grace Strickland, Laura Chan, and Sophie Chan.

          FPD is going for its fourth state girls championship, and Stratford its 13th, and first since 2013.

          The teams are undefeated against common opponents Tattnall, Mount de Sales, John Milledge, and Central Fellowship.

          Each had a first-round bye, FPD as the No. 1 seed and Stratford as No. 2. The Vikings beat Tattnall 3-0 and St. Anne-Pacelli 2-1, the Eaglettes topping Strong Rock 5-1 and Brookstone 1-0.

          Streaming access is available for $24.99 each day on giaa.tv. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students.