The Maysville boys soccer team protected its home turf to kick off the Ohio High School Athletic Association sectionals, picking up a 4-1 win.

Powered by an aggressive defense and opportunistic offense, the Panthers sent Indian Creek home early in the tournament.

Just 15 minutes in, Andrew Morrison found a wide-open net following a cross that lured the Indian Creek goalkeeper out of position, before the Panthers struck again just 10 minutes later. Senior Cole Thomas drilled a penalty kick with 15:31 remaining in the half to make the opening frame all for the blue and gold.

But the Redskins had an answer in senior Alpha Jallow.

A mere 48 seconds into the second half, the star for the Redskins received a pass and weaved in and out of the defense before scorching one into the back of the net. While impressive, it was all the scoring Indian Creek could get.

Jared Stephenson slotted one in midway through the final frame for the Panthers, before Thomas knocked home another scored with exactly eight minutes left.

Maysville will now face Lisbon-Beaver, all the way over on the east border of the state. The Beavers fought off East Liverpool in a 1-0 battle on Tuesday night.