Sweetwater’s season came to a close Monday night, with the Wildcats falling 9-0 to District 4-A champion CSAS in the Region 2-A semifinal in Chattanooga.
“It is challenging for everybody. Even when we know we can be good in our area, we need to be more competitive. Once you go out you play really good, competitive teams. It is a challenge, but that is what it is all about,” Sweetwater coach Ricardo Torres said. “We want to get better and that is one way we can do it.”
The Patriots forced four goals across in the opening half before adding five more in the second half, storming past Sweetwater and into the final 16 teams in Class A.
Abram Torres saved a penalty in the first half.
“Last time I mentioned that CSLA was good. CSAS … They are competitive. They are amazing and very talented kids. Those kids are very competitive compared to the teams we have in this area,” Ricardo Torres said. “To be a Class A high school, they could compete with Class AA. They have very talented players and their program is just amazing.”
Sweetwater (10-6-2) lost 2-0 to CSLA in the District 4-A championship on May 10.
The Wildcats started the season with a 7-1-1 record and picked up a pair of wins over McMinn Central and Tellico Plains each while also besting Oneida and Sequoyah.
“For us, it is to continue to develop players and work with other coaches. Especially coaches who work with the junior high and intermediate schools. We can work together and find more options on how to improve our programs,” Torres said. “We are not bad — we are good. But we can keep working on our programs and developing players from a younger age.”
Sweetwater’s seniors include Cristian Contreras, Jesus Guzman, Campbell Hicks, Xander Lacey, Oscar Lopez, Victor Lyon, Titus Taylor, Brennan Teutimez, Abram Torres, DeMarth Upton and Salvador Vargas.
“It was a very good experience coaching the boys with their mentality. They were always very positive and supportive with their younger teammates,” Torres said. “The atmosphere this year was great. I told them before that was something that I saw with other generations I have coached or helped coach, the mentality they have … I just love it.
“It is very coachable, they enjoy every minute they play and practice. It is just great. They are an excellent group of kids and good to be around.”
Sweetwater finished as the District 3-A runner-up in the regular season and postseason. The Wildcats have advanced into the region tournament for the sixth time in seven previous attempts.
“I appreciate the boys and their effort. And the parents for all their support. It can be a very challenging game and they were very supportive and I appreciate them for being there,” Torres added.
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