Perryville soccer set for road battle with Whitfield

When considering prestigious soccer programs in the region, the Perryville Pirates are certainly among them.

This year is no different as the Pirates find themselves in yet another Class 2 state quarterfinal when they take on Whitfield at 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, at Whitfield High School.

Perryville earned its trip to the state tournament by winning Class 2 District 1 in which the Pirates beat St. Pius X 2-0 in the championship game on May 15.

With 10 days between games, Pirates coach Jerry Fulton sees it as both a positive and negative.

“It’s a little of both,” Fulton said. “You put so much in emotionally and physically to win a district so you do need some time. But, at the same time I think 10 days is a little excessive.”

Aside from changes based on their scouting, Perryville is keeping its practice regiment close to the same.

“We tweak a few things based on what we’ve seen with our next opponent,” Fulton said. “More than anything you try to keep them on the same schedule they’ve been on all year.”

Perhaps the most impressive part of Perryville’s district title run was the fact the Pirates didn’t allow a goal in three games.

“Our defense played exceptionally well,” Fulton said. “In the St. Pius game we had a plan, they stuck to it and played outstanding.”

That defense will be necessary if the Pirates want to knock off Whitfield on Saturday afternoon.

“They have a girl up top in Mia Devrouax who is extremely fast,” Fulton said. “I think she’s scored in every game that they’ve won. We’re going to have to contain her and that’s what we’re working on. We’re just getting a feel for how they play and how they do things so we can counter some of those things.”

Perryville (16-6) begins the Class 2 state tournament at 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, when the Pirates travel to take on Whitfield.