Tuesday sports: Hernando eliminates Starkville in soccer playoffs

February 6, 2024 Bob Bakken

The Hernando Tigers boys soccer team advanced in the MHSAA 7A playoff Tuesday night with a 2-0 victory over the Starkville Yellowjackets. With the victory, Hernando continues on the playoff trail to play at Clinton in the second round on Saturday. Clinton ousted DeSoto Central 7-0 on Tuesday at Clinton.

The Tigers struck when Tyler Starnes found the back of the net about 1:30 into the second half for a 1-0 lead. Parks Raffety assisted on the goal.

“He’s been doing it all year,” Hernando coach Mark Hogan said. “The ball is finally starting to fall for us.”

Hernando continued to negate the Starkville attack through the second half until Raffety settled the contest with just seconds remaining when he scored to make the final score 2-0.

Wilson Crain was perfect as Hernando goalkeeper in posting the shutout. Hogan said the back line made the shutout a team effort.

“He (Crain) had one or two good saves but defense kept him clean and it’s a team game,” Hogan said. “They did what we asked them to do all year and it just clicked tonight.”