Michael Young - Sports Editor

BHS senior Lee Edens was one of the season's defensive standouts for the Warhorses.

Michael Young - Sports Editor

Midfielder Steven Meadows advances the ball in the May 14 second round playoff game against Dillon.

Michael Young - Sports Editor

Zach Zissette reacts to the heartbreaking 1-0 loss after four overtimes against Waccamaw High in the Class 2A playoffs.

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Although the Barnwell High varsity boys closed out its soccer season May 16 in the playoffs, the Warhorses didn't go down without a fight.

Barnwell High gave No. 2 ranked Waccamaw High all they could handle before losing a heartbreaker in four overtimes by a score of 1-0.

The contest was hampered by constant rain and a muddy surface. Both teams found it difficult trying to kick the ball through the net on a field completely waterlogged and potholed.

The high competitive contest came down to the wire. With just two minutes left in the fourth overtime, Waccamaw High scored the winning goal. If Barnwell High could have held them off, the teams would have gone into a shootout.

Barnwell High coach David Anastasia said although they came up short on the scoreboard, the team played an impressive game.

"This is the proudest I've ever been of this group of guys. They left everything they had on the field in very tough playing conditions," Anastasia said. "Defensively, this was the best performance I've seen by a high school team. We played them really tough throughout. Quame Dunbar had an unbelievable game. Their coach said he was the best goalie his team has faced all year."

For Barnwell High, the best chances to score came in the first half on break away attempts by Zach Zissette and Brian Hutto.

However, both players' shot attempts missed wide of the net.

Warhorse players said they gave it their best shot.

"It was an intense game and we played really hard," Dargan Antley of Barnwell High said.

"With wanted to beat them so bad. I thought Quame Dunbar played a super game. On their scoring goal, their player was just in the right spot at the right time."

"It was a tremendous battle all the way through," senior Rush Cook said. "The field was in a mess and it was hard to get anything going. All I can say is we gave it our best shot."