By Thomas Grant Jr.
In the short history of Gray Collegiate Academy boys’ soccer, the program has won five straight region titles, two Upper State titles and finished state runner-up the past two years.
The War Eagles’ success is a primary reason they were ranked second behind fellow charter school Oceanside Collegiate in the South Carolina High School Soccer Coaches Association preseason rankings.
Gray Collegiate is one of four schools co-hosting the 2024 Capitol City Cup taking place Feb. 20-25. It will open play against A.C. Flora.
The War Eagles will also hold the Nike Palmetto Cup April 2-4 at Saluda Shoals Park. They will compete in the Palmetto Division with Blythewood, Hanahan and Westside. Aiken, Gaffney, T.L. Hanna and St. James will compete in the Crescent Division.
S.C. HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER COACHES ASSOCIATION PRESEASON RANKINGS
BOYS
(Class 5A)
1.Ashley Ridge, 2. Clover, 3. River Bluff, 4. J.L. Mann, 5. Chapin, 6. Carolina Forest, 7. Hillcrest, 8. Mauldin, 9. Wando, 10. Nation Ford
(Class 2A)
1.Oceanside Collegiate, 2. Gray Collegiate, 3. Bishop England, 4. Academic Magnet, 5. Andrew Jackson, 6. Greenville Tech Charter, 7. Greer Middle College, 8. Ridgeland-Hardeeville, 9. Buford, 10. Silver Bluff
GIRLS
(Class 5A)
1.J.L. Mann, 2. Wando, 3. Blythewood, 4. Nation Ford, 5. Mauldin, 6. West Ashley, 7. Dutch Fork, 8. Lexington, 9. River Bluff, 10. St. James
(Class 3A)
1.Waccamaw, 2. Powdersville, 3. Camden, 4. Travelers Rest, 5. Dreher, 6. Phillip Simmons, 7. Gilbert, 8. D.W. Daniel, 9. Chapman, 10. Beaufort
Photo courtesy of George Matsui
