Prairie boys make soccer history
It took eight tries, but the Cedar Rapids Prairie boys soccer team finally cracked the glass ceiling and reached the state tournament for the first time in school history Saturday.
The sixth-ranked Hawks edged Bettendorf, 1-0, in the Class 3A substate finals at John Wall Field on a goal by sophomore Joel Collett in the second half.
Prairie (14-3) will face Ankeny Centennial (18-1) in the quarterfinals of the state tournament Thursday at 5:05 p.m. at the Cownie Soccer Complex in Des Moines.
The Hawks collected their 13th shutout of the season and leaped into each other's arms when the defensive struggle ended in a light drizzle.
"It feels absolutely incredible," said Prairie goalkeeper Alec Balta. "I've been in this game (the substate finals) three times out of my four years here.
"It's heartbreaking when you lose this game, but it feels absolutely incredible to finally get through."
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