NORTH VERNON – Jeffersonville stopped Bedford North Lawrence 2-0 during the first round of the Class 3A IHSAA sectional on Monday night.
The Red Devils scored twice in the first half (both from headers off free kicks) and finished off the shutout while advancing to face Floyd Central in the first semifinal on Wednesday.
Jeffersonville’s Elijah Cheeks posted the first goal at 30:29, and the Devils (5-10-2) added an insurance goal by Dylan Ortiz at 5:05. BNL and Jeff had battled to 2-2 deadlock at Jeffersonville on Sept. 21, but the Stars couldn’t break through in the postseason rematch.
“We came out on fire,” BNL coach Ryan Otis said. “We dominated possession and had a chance to score. Then the intensity fell off. I think the intense game on Saturday (against Floyd Central) had an impact on us today.
“We struggled with their athleticism. The last 20 minutes we came back to how we can play. We had intensity and physicality, which resulted in several scoring chances. I’m very proud of the kids for fighting until the end. They left everything on the field.”
The Stars finished with an 8-7-2 record.
In the first-round opener, Floyd Central (8-6-3) conquered Jennings County (1-13-3) by a 3-0 decision.
New Albany will face Seymour in the second semifinal on Wednesday at 7. The final is set for Saturday at 7.
