deahler --
While not being one of the "powers that be" I certainly must qualify as a champion of underdogs over the last few years in girls 4A soccer. I have performed an independent analysis (having no dog of any altitude in this fight) and have established my opinion regarding underdogs, overdogs, white horses and dark horses in the up coming 4A play offs.
Wando is the only white horse/overdog in the group. The White Horse part, at least, goes without saying (see many of the 123 posts in "Wando in the Polls"). They are further rumored to be the soccer gods' annoited 4A winner. The remaining three teams could consider saving the gas money and just forfeit the games now if the SCHSL agrees.
Irmo qualifies as a pure underdog. They have to play Wando and will be exposed to the pregame trauma of comparing their teeth and cars to the East Cooper girls' respective teeth and vehicles upon arrival at Wando. They will have to play a recent (2004) state 4A champion in their home stadium. It just cannot be done. No one has ever beaten Wando at home. Again, save the taxpayers the gas money and just stay home. Or show up and do the best you can...
Dorman is an overdog/dark horse Their overdog status comes from their triumphant romp through the established powers that be in the upstate: Mauldin (4/24), Aiken, TL Hanna and their previous victory (3/10) over Lexington in Lexington. The dark horse modifier is awarded due to their absence in recent memory from the final four.
Lexington... Well Lexington qualifies as the only true Underdog/Dark horse, thus obtaining the maximum underdog karma points. They are unknown in recent upstate final fours, thus qualifying as a true dark horse candidate. Previous losses to Wando (2/11) and Dorman (3/10) puts them solidly on the underdog end of the post season spectrum. Additionally, according to some Fort Mills fans, but for the assistance of incompetent refs and a lucky first half goal, this playoff position should be much further upstate any way. Underdog/darkhorse -- not since 2002 has this been seen.
Best of luck to all the teams and players in tomorrow night's games. Play hard and make a difference.
