Emmanuel Meraz added to his list of accomplishments this season in last Friday’s playoff match against Cook.
Meraz scored the game’s only three goals, powering top-seed Putnam County (13-1) to a 3-0 win over Cook (8-11). The junior striker scored twice in the first half and added one more in the second half to secure the win.
The War Eagles advanced to face Pierce County (11-4-2) in the second round this Friday at 6:30 p.m.
Putnam County head coach Michael Taylor wasn’t surprised Meraz put on yet another clinic on the pitch.
“As a coach, he’s one of those players you want on your team. He’s one of the top scorers in the state of Georgia,” Taylor said of Meraz. “He’s already had several hat tricks for us this season. He is quick and very shifty. You may contain him for 20 minutes, but he will find a way to score.”
In its first-round contest, Putnam County came prepared as Cook had won five straight going into the match. The War Eagles were more conditioned than the Hornets, though, and it showed on the pitch.
Putnam County consistently controlled the tempo and outhustled Cook, but that couldn’t stop Meraz from scoring. He scored on almost every shot he took on Friday.
Although the War Eagles didn’t mercy-rule their opponent last week like they’ve often managed this season, their attack was slow, consistent, and methodical. They wanted to wear the Hornets down, and it worked.
“It was hot, and Cook had to travel three hours to compete, which was an advantage for us,” Taylor said. “And I could tell 20 minutes into the game, the other team was wearing down fast and the heat was getting to them. I told the guys to keep pressing on the gas, and just keep passing the ball.”
Putnam County controlled the pace of play, led by senior forward Bryan Canales, who led the team in assists this season.
The War Eagles must be well-conditioned and disciplined to win its second-round match against Pierce County. The Bears competed in one of the state’s toughest regions and finished as the No. 2 seed.
“It will be a really good, competitive game for us. I’ve watched some game film on them, and we match up well,” Taylor said. “I think we will continue with our normal game plan of passing, moving the ball forward, and looking for Emmanuel (Meraz) to try to finish it off for us.”