A shift in approach earlier this season for the Arts & Sciences boys' soccer program has turned out to make a world of difference.
Only Madison Magnet has more goals (42) in the TSSAA postseason than the Patriots, who have outscored their opposition 38-0 in five playoff victories to reach their goal: a trip to this week's TSSAA Spring Fling for the Class A state tournament.
The Patriots (16-3-3) clinched their first state tourney berth since 2019 as they scored four goals in the second half of Sunday's 5-0 victory over KIPP Nashville in a sectional played on Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts' turf field.
"I am a defensive coach, so we have always kind of been a defensive team," Patriots coach Wes Castle said. "About midway through the season, I acknowledged it was time for me to even grow. I told them we are going to become more of an offensive team.
"I took some of our defenders who are really good and worked them forward. They have really done a great job and boosted our attack. They continue to use their defense to steal the ball and get higher. Will Hetrick has been one of those guys who has really pushed us to get our offense rolling."
After Justin Smith's header provided the lone score of the first half off a corner kick by Josh Kilgore, the Patriots asserted their dominance quickly after the break thanks to a first-year standout. Will Cooley could not miss as the freshman forward scored three goals for a hat trick to put the match out of reach with the Patriots ahead 4-0 in the 45th minute.
"Those three quick goals were somewhat of a blur," Cooley said. "Our halftime talk was very uplifting and made us want to go out there and put the game away as quick as possible. Our midfield trusted me and played me some great passes. We all trust one another and want to go far. What makes us so strong is our trust in each other."
Senior midfielder Gavin Castle showcased his dominance on both halves of the field in the sectional victory and soaked in the excitement after advancing to the state tournament.
"I am super excited to get to go to Murfreesboro with my teammates," he said. "We have waited for this. We are coming. We are a team to be reckoned with."
Added Hetrick: "One thing that makes us strong is we never give up. Every single one of us plays until the whistle. Our hard work has paid off. Now we are off to state and coming for all the teams there."
The Patriots will face reigning state champion Gatlinburg-Pittman (15-8) in the quarterfinals at 5:30 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex. The winner will take on either Madison Magnet (17-0-2) or McKenzie (11-3-2) in Wednesday's semifinals. The Class 1A title match is set for Friday.
After outscoring their opposition 95-17 to this point, the Patriots will try to extend their season to the end of the week.
"We have made a statement," Coach Castle said. "We have played really well. We are in what looks like the tougher side of the state bracket, but I told these guys they can beat any Class A team in the state. Regardless of the outcome, I am super proud of them. Our goal was to just get here, and now we will take it day by day."
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com.