Soccer is kicking off all over Lexington County, and many local teams are off to a great start this season. 

Through the first few games, 13 teams are playing 0.500 ball or better. That includes three undefeated teams and many more one-loss teams.

Lexington’s boys are the hottest team in the area, entering this week. The Wildcats started the season (8-0) and have been dominating their competition. 

The team started its season with three straight shutout wins against Columbia, South Florence and Aiken. Lexington conceded its first goal of the season in a 2-1 win over Dorman. Since then, no team has scored more than one goal in a game against the Wildcats. 

Lexington outscored its competition 26-4 through its first eight games. The team will look to continue this success when region play starts next week. 

It should be another competitive season for the boys of 5A Region 4. Chapin and River Bluff are also off to solid starts, beginning this week (4-1) overall. 

In the local 4A conference, Gilbert and Brookland-Cayce have won more games than they’ve lost so far this season. 

The Bearcats and Indians are some of the few teams in the state that have already started region play. Along with Gray Collegiate and Airport, it should be an action-packed year for the conference. 

Brookland-Cayce and Gilbert will go head-to-head this Thursday. 

In 2A, Batesburg-Leesville’s boys are another one of the final undefeated teams in Lexington County. The Panthers started the season (3-0-1), beating Ridge Spring-Monetta and Clinton, while tying with Columbia. 

There are also many local girls teams starting the season strong. 

River Bluff’s girls are the third undefeated team from the area. The Gators started (3-0-2) behind some phenomenal defense. Through five games, the team allowed just one goal. Both of its ties were 0-0 draws. 

Chapin, White Knoll and Lexington are also playing great ball. The three teams all have just one loss on their record to go with multiple wins. 

When region play begins in a few weeks, River Bluff, Lexington, Chapin and White Knoll will each try to gain separation from the others. Only one team can emerge as the favorite to win the conference, and it’s still too early to tell who it will be. 

Teams in the higher classification are not the only ones playing well. 

Gray Collegiate and Gilbert are playing well early in their region season. The War Eagles were (4-1-1) entering the week, sitting atop the region. Brookland-Cayce was (2-2) through four games. 

While its region games don’t start for another week, Swansea’s girls got off to a (4-1) start. The Tigers shut out teams in three of those wins and suffered their only loss against Irmo. 

The soccer season continues this week as all the local teams are seeking to add more wins. There are many major matchups to watch for. Check out a few of them below. 

Upcoming games to watch

Gilbert vs. Brookland-Cayce boys - March 12

Gray Collegiate vs. South Aiken boys - March 12

Gray Collegiate at South Aiken girls - March 13

Batesburg-Leesville vs. Strom Thurmond boys - March 17

White Knoll vs. River Bluff girls - March 17

Last week’s top performances 

Jennifer Gause recorded four goals and two assists in Northside Christian’s girls' 10-0 win over Augusta Christian. 

Jason Gonzalez-Hernandez had four goals and an assist as Gray Collegiate’s boys beat Brookland-Cayce.

Victoria Coleman had three goals and three assists for the Gray Collegiate girls in a win against Brookland-Cayce.

Adair Duque scored two goals in the Gilbert boys’ win over South Aiken. 

Megan Wooten stopped six of seven shots faced as Gilbert’s girls beat Aiken. 

Nikolai Sogaard found the back of the net twice for Chapin’s boys in a shutout win over Swansea.