Another week of high school soccer has passed, and many Lexington County teams are playing great ball.

In total, 16 local teams began this week playing 0.500 ball or better. That includes seven teams with one loss or fewer. 

With region play just getting started, these teams will look to continue their winning ways and keep their feet on the gas. The better a team finishes in the region season, the better seeding it will get in the playoffs. 

This week marks the start of conference games for the six teams in Lexington’s big 5A conference. It is expected to be a competitive field on both the boys and girls' sides, with many teams capable of winning the region championship. 

Three girls teams have jumped out as early favorites. Lexington, Chapin and River Bluff each have just one loss on their records so far and are winning games by wide margins. 

Lexington has been the hottest team to start, scoring 30 goals in nine games. That total is more than double the second-highest team’s, which belongs to Chapin. The Eagles have 15 goals through their first five games. 

While the offense has been impressive, the defense has been the story for those three teams. The Wildcats, Eagles and Gators have allowed a combined 11 goals in 21 games. They shut out opponents in 14 of those games. 

The season outlook is very similar for the boys teams in this conference. 

Lexington, Chapin and River Bluff have started strong, holding a combined record of 19-4 just ahead of region games. 

The Wildcats have a bit more of an advantage on the boys side, thanks to their (10-0) start to the season. Lexington is dominating its competition and has not allowed more than a single goal in any game this season. 

River Bluff and Chapin have had much more tame offensive performances, but are playing great on defense, also conceding no more than one goal in any game this season. 

In the lower classifications, Swansea’s girls began this week (5-1), outscoring their competition 23-7. The Tigers begin region play this week and are seeking to win the title after finishing runner-up last season. 

Both Gray Collegiate teams are competing near the top of their conference after four games in. Each team is (3-1) and just out of first place. Brookland-Cayce’s boys and Gilbert’s girls are also competitive early on.   

This week will be a big one for many Lexington County teams. Aside from being the start of region games, there are a number of key matchups that could shape the final standings. 

Chapin will play both Lexington and River Bluff this week, giving the Eagles boys and girls their first look at the other top teams in the region. 

Gray Collegiate and Gilbert’s girls will go head-to-head in an important game between two local programs. The War Eagles’ boys also have key games ahead. 

After all these matchups are completed, the standings could look very different. 

Upcoming games to watch

Gilbert vs. Gray Collegiate girls - March 19

Lexington vs. Chapin boys - March 20

Chapin vs. Lexington girls - March 20

Brookland-Cayce vs. Mid-Carolina boys - March 20

Gray Collegiate vs. Midland Valley boys - March 23

River Bluff vs. Chapin girls - March 24

Last week’s top performances 

Lydia Kiker had three goals and two assists for Gray Collegiate in a win over Airport.

Avery Campbell finished with three goals and two assists in Gilbert’s win against Midland Valley.

Charlie Petroff had six saves in Gray Collegiate’s 4-2 win over South Aiken. 

Jennifer Gause scored twice and added an assist in Northside Christian’s win over White Knoll. 

Jake Riddle scored both of River Bluff’s goals as the Gators beat Bluffton 2-1.