The CSRA has produced some incredible athletic programs over the years. Many have won region titles, state titles and posted multiple winning seasons. However, when you start to throw around the term “dynasty,” the number of teams dwindles a bit.
That type of sustained success is so difficult to attain and is reserved for an elite few. Richmond Academy football in the 50s, Lincoln County football under Larry Campbell, the baseball programs at Evans under Terry Holder in the late 80s and early 90’s, Greenbrier baseball program (also under Terry holder for three seasons), and North Augusta’s girls basketball teams all fit the stringent criteria.
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Well, we have a new program to add to the list, thanks to another dominant run this spring. The Augusta Prep Lady Cavaliers soccer team edged out Frederica Academy this week to claim the school’s sixth state crown in the last seven seasons. I would say that qualifies for “dynasty” under anyone’s definition.
Last season, Augusta Prep was primed to win the title. The team was loaded with experienced seniors and was almost a shoo-in to go all the way. However, COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the season entirely, and left the Lady Cavs wondering what could have been.
Due to the loss of several talented seniors, many felt that Augusta Prep may not have had what it takes to claim another crown. Then, rising star Charlie Smith tore her ACL during basketball season, forcing her to miss the entire soccer season. It just did not seem like 2021 would be the Cavs year.
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Luckily, no one informed the young ladies that they were not supposed to win another title. They came right out of the gate hot and never slowed down.
Head Coach Tom Norton, who has been at the helm for the Lady Cavs for the last 11 seasons, felt this team was playing with a bit of a chip on their shoulder.
“The girls really felt like we had a great chance to win it all last year. Then the season was taken away and we lost several key players to graduation. They really wanted this one bad,” said Norton.
While the program has had plenty of talented players over the years, there is no question they benefit from have one of the most experienced and accomplished high school coaches in the state.
Norton played at the University of South Carolina and has been a Division I head coach in both men’s and women’s soccer at Georgia Southern. He has also been heavily involved with the Augusta Arsenal program for many years. Few prep coaches have a resume like Coach Norton’s, and he may have saved his best work for his run at Augusta Prep.
In a year where many questioned the team’s ability to go all the way, The Lady Cavs were just dominant. Thanks to the stellar play of team leader and captain Virginia Chew (Sr.), the offensive ability of juniors Beatty Joseph and Sage Connolly, and several other young players stepping up this season, the squad was able to boast some tremendous numbers. Here’s a look at some of the most impressive.
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· Season Record: 14-1-1
Their only loss was a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Richmond Academy and their tie versus Class AAAAAA public school Lakeside. That’s especially impressive when you consider Augusta Prep has a high school enrollment of less than 400.
· Outscored opponents an eye-popping 86-10 this season. That is an average of 5.4 goals per game, while allowing just 0.6 goals against.
· The team allowed more than one goal in a game only once the entire season.
· They outscored their state playoff opponents 23-3 in four games.
· The championship game opponent, Frederica Academy, was riding a 16-game unbeaten streak coming into the title match.
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As you can see, The Lady Cavaliers had a season to remember, but that has become commonplace for the folks at Augusta Prep. Oh, and if you thought Augusta Prep was due for letdown — do not bet on it. Virginia Chew was the team’s only senior, so they return every other member of this year’s title team.
Ashley Brown covers sports for The Augusta Press. Reach him at Ashley.brown@theaugustapress.com.
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