Demopolis soccer teams clinch Area 7 title with wins over Sipsey

By Tyler Ward

Special to The Watchman

Demopolis (7-2) kept its season alive Tuesday, becoming Area 7 champions in the process and moving on to the first round of the Class 4A-5A state soccer playoffs with a 3-0 defeat of Sipsey Valley.

Tyler Pipkins scored two goals in the first 15 minutes to take a commanding lead that would last for the rest of the half. Graham Parker scored a goal in the second half to solidify the win for the Tigers and advance them to the state playoffs.

“We had a lot of possession time in the first half the last time we played them and couldn’t get a shot to go in and today we did,” Demopolis Coach Clint Humphrey said. “We went in double overtime when we played them the last time at their place, so it feels good to come out here and win.”

The Tigers are set to play the first round of playoffs at home against Calera.

The Demopolis Lady Tigers also advanced to the first round of the state playoffs in a 6-2 knockout win against Sipsey Valley.

The Tigers took a strong lead with scores from Emily Lovette, Mckenzie Phillips, Khalyiah James and Julia Singleton to take a 4-1 lead at the half. After a goal from Sipsey Valley, Lovette and Singleton answered with their second goals of the game.

“The girls and I talked a lot about our plan and what our strategy was going to be to execute it,“ Coach Gabrielle Mcvay explained. “They went in and executed the plan like they were supposed to do. That’s what got us the win and got us the area championship.”

The Lady Tigers’ next opponent and game date is yet to be determined, though they should know in the next few coming days.