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ENOLA -- Sometimes it can take a team a little bit to get into rhythm and set a tone during a game, especially once the state playoffs are in effect. There can be jitters and nerves.
For Lewisburg, there were no nerves. It was down to business as soon as the whistle started and 60 seconds in, the Green Dragons struck.
That’s how fast Lewisburg can strike, and it showcased it on Saturday at East Stroudsburg in Enola.
The Green Dragons sent in a corner kick. Keegan Crosby found the ball near the baseline and sent it to Daedrian Campbell, who buried the shot. That’s all the Green Dragons needed as the defense did the rest in Lewisburg’s 1-0 win in the PIAA Class AA quarterfinals on Saturday.
The win advances Lewisburg back to the state semifinals as the Green Dragons will compete against District 12 champion Devon Prep, a 2-1 winner over District 3 champion Wyomissing.
“It was good. We came out pretty fired up in warm ups and part of what we wanted to do was get the tone set,” Lewisburg coach Ben Kettlewell said. “I thought we’d have more goals, but that was the only one.”
That one goal was all that was needed, however. Lewisburg’s defense played outstanding and prevented a talented Tulpehocken team from finding the back of the net.
“We really didn’t let them do anything super dangerous,” Kettlewell said. “A couple shots outside, but our defense made sure we were connected and spread apart to make good decisions.”
Crosby and Campbell have been a solid offensive duo this year, alongside numerous others who can put in goals.
“They both are playmakers and both can be on either end (receiving or scoring). I think the fact our entire team trusts each other and trust each other to play,” Kettlewell said. “That’s been our team. We never know who’s gonna step up each game and they came out today and knocked it in the first minute.”
Lewisburg keeper Gabe Pawling reached a milestone in Saturday’s win, recording his 61st career shutout. It moves him past former Lewisburg great Logan Cho’s school record of 60 set from 2012-15.
“Gabe had to work really hard to earn this accomplishment over two very great keepers in Logan and Christian (Gallagher). Gabe is an excellent keeper,” Kettlewell said “He is a coach on the field and puts our team in great positions to made great plays. He then covers up our mistakes. I’ve been lucky to have coached him over the past four years.”
Now the attention turns to Devon Prep, a team the Green Dragons are familiar with. The Green Dragons beat Devon Prep in last year’s state quarterfinals, 2-0.
“I just know from last year that they’re really good,” Kettlewell said.