Interesting comments.
I really don't buy the historical context/pressure theory. In my estimation, the sheer number of schools capable of winning a state championship has increased, as soccer has grown in popularity among kids, and more competent coaches enter the arena. The 2011 state title may have more actual "value" than a 2002 state title ... though I'm sure max effort was delivered in both instances. There are just more teams capable of delivering max effort on a given night.
Savitz is clearly a great coach who, no doubt, will add to his state title total before he retires. To do so, he may need to evolve/adjust ever-so-slightly to meet with changing times. For example, he should at least consider enhancing his strength-of-schedule to get his team ready for the state tournament. Undefeated regular seasons and winning percentages are irrelevant once a team enters the pressure cooker of a single-elimination tournament. Wando's coaching staff knew who could handle that kind of pressure, and played them extra minutes. I sensed that Irmo's staff DIDN'T know who COULDN'T handle the pressure, and played a few kids too much.
Similarly, I felt that Wando enjoyed and took advantage of some significant physical match-up advantages. Wando's first and third goals were clearly the result of power and/or speed mismatches that SHOULD have been scouted and foreseen. Indeed, Wando's third goal came after the Wando coach moved a kid forward to take advantage of a speed mismatch, and the kid made several potential scoring runs before netting the game-winner.
These are all surmises and theories. The facts remain. Irmo is STILL the measuring stick by which programs in our state can and should be evaluated. And Wando is the 2011 Class AAAA state champion, thanks to a well-played and well-coached victory over a great program.
Congratulations to BOTH sides for providing the showcase game the sport deserves.
