Mustangs’ soccer trends upward

Madison Academy entered the postseason ranked No.3 in the final coaches’ poll of the 2016 season as it sought a second straight appearance in the state final four. CONTRIBUTED
Madison Academy entered the postseason ranked No.3 in the final coaches’ poll of the 2016 season as it sought a second straight appearance in the state final four. CONTRIBUTED

By MIKE EASTERLING / For the Record

HUNTSVILLE – Madison Academy enjoys a high profile statewide in football, basketball, baseball and softball after winning multiple state championships in each sport.

Boys soccer would like to join that list.

The Mustangs, who advanced to the soccer state tournament final four for the first time last season, entered the 2016 playoffs seeking a return trip to John Hunt Park and the Class 1A-3A semifinals.

Coach Will Ratliff, a Huntsville High graduate who led the junior varsity team for two years before taking the varsity job last season, said he’s noticed a change in the program’s atmosphere.

“It’s definitely shifting,’’ he said as the Mustangs prepared for Tuesday’s first-round, sub-state match against West Morgan at home. “I feel like soccer is ready to join the ranks of those other sports.’’

Madison Academy takes a 14-5-1 record and No. 3 ranking into the game against No. 8 West Morgan (12-5-0).

Other first-round matches pair Grissom (9-12-4) at No. 6 Bob Jones (12-8-2) and girls games have Athens Bible School (12-2-0) at No. 8 Madison Academy (15-5-1), Gadsden City (12-4-2) at Bob Jones (11-11-0) and James Clemens (14-8-3) at No. 9 Huntsville (14-8-1).

Ryan Pollard’s 15 goals and 16 assists lead the Mustangs. James Jay has 13 goals and Evan Fausz eight assists. Ryan Pollard, one of 12 seniors on the teams, has 116 saves.

One highlight for Madison Academy this year was its first varsity win, 1-0, over defending state champion Randolph, and the Mustangs’ numbers are growing.

“The program is the largest it’s been since I’ve been here,’’ Ratliff said. “We’ve got seven or eight who will join the varsity next year.”

Bob Jones High School

Local Talent Shines In Alabama Baseball Victory At Toyota Field

Bob Jones High School

Bartlett selected as Executive Director of US Chess Federation

Madison

Mill Creek students shine in Elementary Science Olympiad

Madison

Facility dog Daryl comforts, ‘listens’ to children at Midtown elementary

Madison

Batt-Rawden named ‘Alabama School Psychologist of the Year’

Madison

Madison city councilman Teddy Powell loses to Marilyn Lands in special election for HD10

Bob Jones High School

Bob Jones’ population fondly remembers Angela Mooney

Digital Version

Digital version of The Madison Record – March 27, 2024

Events

AUSA showcasing the U.S. Army’s technological advances in Huntsville

Madison

Voters in HD10 to decide who fills unexpired term today

Madison

Jackie Smith’s legacy thrives through her students at Mill Creek

Harvest

AUSA sponsors ‘Operation Deploy Your Dress’ for women’s gowns

Bob Jones High School

Bob Jones ‘fetches’ ‘Mean Girls – High School Version’ for Spring Musical

Events

Arts Huntsville announces Panoply Arts Festival 2024 highlights  

Huntsville

Women in Tech – Huntsville event to view business future, open scholarships

James Clemens High School

Students in grades K-11 earn City Chess Champ titles

Madison

MVP Community Impact Grant helps library’s Music Garden

Harvest

Enjoy a day of celebration at TARCOG’s Senior Fun Fest

Madison

Kim Dykes named state’s Augmentative and Alternative Communication Professional

Bob Jones High School

All-Girls National Chess Championships set for Chicago

FRONT PAGE FEATURED

Mustang Mud Run Set For April 13- Register Now

FRONT PAGE FEATURED

Madison Miracle League Facility Hopes To Be “Shining” Location

Bob Jones High School

Madison Visionary Awards: Madison residents and business leaders named finalists for volunteerism awards

Digital Version

Digital version of The Madison Record – March 13, 2024

x