A lot had happened in the last twelve months under Head Coach Travis Beauchamp, and aside from late heartbreak in the State Championship this season, the rest has been nothing short of incredible.
Before Monday, November 10, Potomac had been undefeated since early October, which saw the Beauchamp era really kick-start against Episcopal following a late equalizer at the home of the previous state champions. Back-to-back wins against St. Andrews and GDS soon followed, which saw them retain the MAC – while conceding just three goals in their last ten games.
With momentum on their side, Potomac headed to Richmond for the state final against St. Christopher’s. From the get-go, Potomac made their presence heard in the 6,000-seat stadium, roared on by a loyal contingent of several dozen supporters – all of whom had braved the frigid conditions to make the five-hour round trip to the state capital.
Anthems complete and grip socks secured, the game got underway. The first half was a pure deadlock, with no good chances for either team, and possession was about 55%-45% in Potomac’s favor.
As we had seen time and time again this season, whatever was said at halftime clearly got through – and Potomac’s quick folly forward just minutes after the break brilliantly exemplified the coaches’ tactical insights.
The Panthers’ typical method of attack was frustratingly countered by St. Christopher’s pressing style of attack. The goal for them was to make it predictable in possession (i.e force the pass to one way via press so the other players can get a jump on the incoming pass); that way, they could win the ball high up and put numbers forward quickly by generally bringing up their fullbacks as much as they could.
The second half, however, was a far cry from what was an otherwise initial stagnant showing from both sides. Only a number of brilliant saves from St. Christopher’s goalkeeper and a Potomac effort blocked on the line kept the match level.
Having settled into the game somewhat, the Potomac defense were able to dribble past the first line of press, allowing the midfield to turn and play out from the back, rather than forcing the ball upward aimlessly.
Several chances were earned in this stretch: an Aiden Zarate ‘26 cross nearly put in, an Emre Kirgiz ‘28 breakaway with a shot on target, and a few messy scrambles in the box, one of which resulted in a goal-line clearance. It seemed likely that Potomac would get one to go and finish the game off.
However, one late sequence from St. Chris shifted the play. The Saints, on a throw-in, got the ball up to their attacking fullback, who hit a cross. Charlie Cillizza ‘27 attempted to clear it, but it fell right to Cole Butler, who connected with the ball; it hit the post and bounced in .
Potomac’s failure to bite in the first half would ultimately come back to haunt them, as a 76th minute goal from outside of the box sent the St. Christopher’s support into raptures – and the Potomac bus engine into life.
A desperate surge forward from the Panthers proved too little too late, and St. Christopher’s was able to ride the storm and ultimately secure the win on the night.
Despite the bitter disappointment of the loss, and having defeated some of the best schools in the entire state, such as St. Benedictine and Collegiate, the boys can hold their heads high knowing that they did themselves and our entire school proud – and this campaign will certainly keep the bar high for years to come.
