SILOAM SPRINGS (KFSM) - In class 6A, you can count on the Siloam Springs boys and girls soccer teams to make a deep run for a state championship.
"Girls two time defending state champ, the expectation's there bringing back quite a few starters," Panthers coach Brent Crenshaw said. "On the boys side, got beat in the state finals, and have really showed a determination all year to get back to that state finals."
They've played a tough schedule during the year that's helped them get to where they are now, and where they want to go.
"Playing some of the 7A harder teams has really given us a lot of adversity to play through, and it has built our camaraderie and our strength as a team," senior Nathanael Long said.
"We competed. You know the thing is we competed with those teams. It wasn't like we were out manned. We competed, and I think it prepared us for the teams we're going to face in the state," Crenshaw said.
But, it's about more to these teams.
"Because we, like the heart that this team has," junior Maycee Lance said. "That brings us through like all the tough games. It's just that we out work the other teams."
It's not just winning a state title for themselves this season. it's about their new coach as well.
"I think that we're especially anxious to do that because coach Crenshaw, he has not had a state championship yet. So, I think it would be cool to win that for him for his first time," Lance said.
"I've coached high school for 15 years. It's something, every year I've gone back and the last 14 I've said what do I need to do to get that last game, to win that last game. So, hopefully I've done enough to lead them so they can produce in the field," Crenshaw said.
Both boys and girls have a first round bye and will begin action on Friday. Girls will face the No. 3 seed Benton, while the boys will face No. 3 Eldorado.