The Hunt for the Crown: Franklin Regional's Playoff Journey Begins

Well, here we are again. Playoff season. And for the Franklin Regional boys soccer squad, it's starting off with quite the statement: a formidable No. 3 seed in the WPIAL Class 3A bracket. You could say it’s a nod to a stellar regular season, but honestly, it feels more like a direct challenge. This team, you see, has unfinished business.

Just last year, they found themselves on the precipice, playing in the championship game, only to fall short to Hampton. A tough pill to swallow, no doubt. But that kind of experience? It tends to forge a certain resolve, a hunger that can only be satisfied with a trophy. And that, in truth, is precisely what Coach Scott Lazzari’s Panthers are aiming for this time around.

Lazzari, ever the pragmatist, seems pleased with the seeding, but he's not one to get ahead of himself. "We're happy to get the three seed," he remarked, fully aware of the demanding road ahead. Because, let’s be real, this isn't just any bracket; it’s a gauntlet. "But as we all know, you've got to play well in every game to advance," he added, a sentiment echoed by any coach worth their salt. The path is unforgiving, and a single off-day could spell the end of a season.

Their season, though, has been anything but off. A sterling 14-3 overall record, punctuated by an 11-1 run in Section 4, which saw them share the top spot with a talented Kiski Area team. But the numbers, impressive as they are, don’t tell the whole story. What truly defines this Franklin Regional team? It’s their sheer defensive grit, allowing a paltry 11 goals across 17 games. That’s not just good; that’s elite, a testament to a cohesive unit that fights for every inch of turf.

And then there are the individuals who make it all click. Blake Cooper, for instance, has been nothing short of a revelation, leading the scoring charge with his uncanny ability to find the back of the net. Then there’s Joey Bayne in the midfield, a genuine maestro, pulling the strings and dishing out crucial assists. He makes things happen, plain and simple. On the defensive end, Jake Kimmich stands as a rock, a vital cog in that formidable backline. And between the posts, Max Bernadowski has been a reliable, steady presence, making the saves that matter when it counts most.

Their initial test in this high-stakes tournament? Trinity. But look beyond that first-round clash, and the bracket opens up to a landscape of potential rivals. Plum, Montour (oh, the history there!), Thomas Jefferson, Moon, South Fayette — each a formidable opponent, each capable of springing an upset. And lurking at the top, of course, is the reigning champion, Hampton, securing that coveted No. 1 seed. It’s a compelling storyline, you could say, the chance for a rematch, for redemption.

But the Panthers aren’t just looking for WPIAL glory; their sights are set higher still, on a deep run into the state playoffs. It’s a big goal, a monumental task. Yet, with a squad built on defensive strength, seasoned by past experience, and driven by a quiet determination, Franklin Regional seems ready for the challenge. They’ve proven they can play. Now, it's time to see if they can truly conquer.