The Jesuit soccer team advanced to the semifinal of the LHSAA State Championships on Tuesday night with a thrilling 4-3 win over the Dutchtown Griffins.

The Griffins played host to the Blue Jays on mild, calm evening in Dutchtown. The home team settled down a bit quicker than the Blue Jays, who found it difficult in the early stages to find their footing on the slick surface. Dutchtown’s early dominance paid dividends, and they found themselves up 2-0 early in the first half. In true Blue Jay fighting spirit, the Jesuit team responded and grew in confidence when a brace of goals by Jacob Torres saw both teams tied at halftime, 2-2.

The second half began with the Jays taking control of the game and dominating possession. Ashton Perkins gave Jesuit its first lead of the night with a headed goal from 12 yards. The Jays then had a chance to go up 4-2 when Gabe Sims climbed above the crowd on a corner kick only to see his header go inches over the crossbar. However, the Griffins would not go down without a fight of their own. Jesuit failed to clear their lines properly on a set-piece, and Dutchtown made the most of the opportunity to tie the game, 3-3.

Once again the Jays rallied with Perkins throwing the ball in, and off the throw-in Sebi Maraldo saw his header loop just over the goalkeeper’s hand to bring Jesuit ahead, 4-3. Dutchtown played hard in the final few minutes of the game but could not find a way to break down the Blue Jay defense.