There’s a lot to “chomp” about in Gator Nation these days.

Still basking in the glow of the boys’ basketball team’s state championship, River Bluff High School has 2 title contenders emerging in soccer.

Both the boys and girls teams returned from Spring Break undefeated and holding 1st place in Region 5-5A. The 2 teams are also ranked number 1 together in the SC High School Soccer Coaches Association’s Class 5A Top 10 poll for the 1st time in school history.

Such recognition is taken in stride by the respective head coaches more focused on adding more hardwave to the 8-year-old school’s trophy case.

“Rankings are great for getting the fans behind the teams, so having both teams ranked #1 has gotten more excitement about the potential for this season from the student body,” River Bluff girls’ soccer coach KC Dunbaker said. “That being said, our teams know that it’s not about where we rank midseason, but at the end of the season that truly matters.”

“I have not seen any rankings this year and we never talk about rankings within our team,” River Bluff boys soccer coach Phil Savitz said. “The rankings are for fans and honestly, the only ones that matter are the final rankings so this is a non factor within our program.”

‘Make Each Moment Count’

Having led a Gators’ team to a state title in 2016, 1 of Savitz’s state-record 15 won, he’s cognizant of the attributes needed for success. Like Dunbaker, he also leads a group of players motivated from last year’s high school sports shutdown due to covid-19.

“Our team was devastated by last year’s shutdown as all 2020 spring sports team’s were and we talk often about how blessed we feel every day that we get together this year to meet, practice and play this spring,” Savitz said.

“The common theme for this year has been to make each moment count,” Dunbaker said. “Whether studying film, training at practice, or stepping onto the field for the game, our team’s goal is to have no regrets with the attitude and effort we put into this season.”

Having a group of coachable, inspired players should help the team as the season becomes more important, according to the head coaches.

“We have 9 seniors and they are all motivated to try and help our team get better every day and understand what a challenge it is to compete in the toughest 5A region in the state,” Savitz said. “Their goal is to try and help lead our team to a top 2 finish in the region and a playoff spot this spring in 5A.”

“Our seniors do an excellent job of not focusing on the potential for a title, but rather concentrating on the steps needed to play for that opportunity,” Dunbaker said. “(Goalkeeper) Jessica Padgett has been instrumental in our success this year. Not only has she made big saves during regulation and penalty kicks, she sets the standard for the effort that should be brought to the field each day.

“(Defender) Tori Collins, who is coming back from injury, has played a significant role in our team bonding and has been a great mentor to our younger players. (Midfielder) Charlotte Sparkes, (forward) Rylie Addis, and (defender) Ansley Black (DEF) have also been big on field contributors to the teams success to this point.”

“Those five, of our 22 players, are the only returners from our 2019 Lower State finalist season - so they understand the focus and commitment needed to reach the championship level of the postseason.”

River Bluff played host to Lexington Tuesday in a region doubleheader. After the boys face Ridge View Friday, the 2 teams will travel to Dutch Fork April 20 and Chapin April 23. The Eagles were surpassed by the Gator boys in the latest SCHSCAA Class 5A poll.

“We believe we play in the toughest region in 5A and every year region games are important,” Savitz said. “But this year, with only 2 teams qualifying, the importance is for sure magnified.”

“The shortened playoff field definitely puts more emphasis on each region game,” Dunbaker said. “It is unfortunate that only the top 2 teams will make it to the postseason as we typically have all four seeds advancing to the second round. Hopefully we can continue to build on our earlier performances during the back half of region play and secure one of those slots.”