It is said in the playoffs, everybody starts over. For the Nation Ford Falcons boys’ lacrosse team, that could be a good thing.
The boys’ and girls’ lacrosse playoffs start today for 5A and Wednesday for 4A with all local teams participating. In the 5A bracket, the Fort Mill girls’ team, coming off a Region 3-5A title and an 11-4 record open at home against rivals Nation Ford, who finished their season at 7-5 overall. The Jackets beat Nation Ford on both occasions they played them this season. The girl’s game starts at 5:30 at Bob Jones Stadium with the boy’s game to follow.
Also coming off a Region 3-5A title with a 9-4 record is the Fort Mill boys’ team as they will open up against Nation Ford as well ironically. The Falcons enter the playoffs with a 4-10 record despite having some eligibility issues that cost them a player and a winning record this season.
Originally Nation Ford would have finished the season at 11-3 with a Region 3-5A title to go with that record, but an eligibility issue cost them several games. They were able to make the playoffs with an at-large bid and will travel to Bob Jones Stadium to take on Fort Mill, who for the first time ever they technically beat twice during the regular season. However, both of those wins were reversed because an ineligible player participating in those two games for the Falcons.
Nation Ford head coach Cory Turner said he didn’t realize they had been playing an ineligible player until it was brought to his attention.
“We got a bad break,” Turner said. “It was a mistake. Mistakes happen. I get it. It is what it is.”
On Wednesday, both Catawba Ridge lacrosse teams travel to open the 4A playoffs. The Copperheads boys’ team, who finished the regular season with a 4-10 record, will travel to Oceanside Academy in Mount Pleasant for their first-round game. The Copperheads girls’ team, who finished the regular season at 2-8, will travel to Lucy Beckham High, also in Mount Pleasant for their first-round game.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
