jmisunas@gbtribune.com
MAIZE — Great Bend's standout Jaime Arellenas was everywhere, prompting his underdog teammates to an inspired effort against the powerhouse Maize Eagles. His best scoring attempt bounced off the goalpost with a minute remaining.
Maize goalie Grant Wessley was up to the challenge, turning back every Panther scoring opportunity in a 3-0 quarterfinal victory in the 5A soccer playoffs. Wessley earned his eighth shutout of the season at Maize's first-class soccer facility.
Panther Carlos Soto fed a free kick pass to Cristian Ruiz who rocketed a shot off the goalpost at the 19-minute mark. Arellenas was wide at the 6-minute mark in the first half and the 21:45 mark in the second half. Jonathan Ruiz was also close off Carlos Batres' free kick with 15:14 left.
The Panthers hustled and worked for all of their scoring opportunities after a quick and aggressive Maize defense.
"We played well and showed great effort and heart," said Great Bend coach Jesus Loera. "I'm proud of our guys. We kept fighting. Our guys gave it everything we had. We have no regrets about our effort. We kept pushing forward, but had a few unlucky moments."
Arellenas' effort was legendary as he was overcome with emotion as his high school career ended in perfect 65-degree weather blessed by light wind.
The Panthers played a confident, aggressive style that was countered by a well-organized and well-executed Maize effort. All three of Maize's goal were delivered off a quick-striking offense.
Maize standout Mikey Velasquez scored his 20th goal (26:19) on a breakaway against the Panthers' defense. Maize's Angel DeLeon scored Maize's second goal (2:45) off a nifty assist by Andy Dam. Velasquez delivered a perfect assist for DeLeon's second goal (39:03). The Eagles had a goal by Tanner Prophet was waved off on offside by a player who slipped behind Panther goalie Edwin Chavez.
"Maize is a well-organized soccer team. I give credit to their coaches and players," Loera said. "They are a fantastic group. They have good players all over the field and they execute what they're supposed to do. Velasquez is a talented player who's a problem for any defender."
Maize drew a trio of yellow cards in the tightly-officiated contest. The Panthers were tagged with four yellow cards as the officials responded to any verbal commentary.
It marked the third time in school history the Panthers advanced to the 5A quarterfinal round. The Panthers (7-10) defeated Salina South 3-1 and Salina Central 3-2 to reach the 5A quarterfinals.
Maize High (16-2-1) advances against Shawnee Heights (13-4-1) in the 5A semifinals at Spring Hill.
5A QUARTERFINALS—Maize High 3, Great Bend 0; Andover Central 1, Wichita Carroll 0; Shawnee Heights 2, Lansing 1; St. Thomas Aquinas 1, Mill Valley 0
5A SEMIFINALS FRIDAY SPRING HILL—Maize High (16-2-1) vs. Andover Central (11-8); St. Thomas Aquinas (13-3-3) vs. Shawnee Heights (13-4-1)
5A REGIONALS
REG. 1—Salina Central 2, Hays High 1, OT (4-2 PK); Great Bend 3, Salina South 1; FINAL—Great Bend 3, Salina Central 2; Great Bend 7-9
REG. 2—Maize South 4, Goddard 2; Maize High 2, Goddard Eisenhower 0; FINAL—Maize High 3, Maize South 2, OT
REG. 3—Wichita Carroll 10, Arkansas City 0; Valley Center 2, Kapaun Mt. Carmel 0; FINAL—Wichita Carroll 4, Valley Center 0
REG. 4—Newton 3, Emporia 2, OT; Andover Central 1, Andover High 0, OT; FINAL—Andover Central 2, Newton 1
REG. 5—Shawnee Heights 5, Topeka West 2; Topeka Seaman 7, Highland Park 0; FINAL—Shawnee Heights 2, Topeka Seaman 1, OT
REG. 6—Lansing 3, Leavenworth 1; Basehor 3, KC Piper 0; FINAL—Lansing 3, Basehor 0
REG. 7—Lenexa St. James 10, Bonner Springs 0; St. James 1, KC Turner 0, forfeit; Mill Valley 1, DeSoto 0; FINAL—Mill Valley 2, St. James 0
REG. 8—Spring Hill 2, Pittsburg 0; St. Thomas Aquinas 3, Blue Valley Southwest 1; FINAL—Aquinas 1, Spring Hill 0
