WEST LINCOLN — Bogue Chitto’s Jacey Hutson did everything she could to give her team a chance to reach the playoffs Monday night. A 2-0 win over West Lincoln was not enough as the Bears reached the playoffs on goal differential. 

Hutson nearly scored the opening goal of the match when she played a pass across the face of goal in a dangerous area after slicing through defenders. Kinsie Bales tapped in the cross to give Bogue Chitto a 1-0 lead just seven minutes into the game. 

Bogue Chitto created another chance late in the first half. Hutson managed to score the second goal from a tight angle after West Lincoln failed to clear the ball. Bogue Chitto took a 2-0 lead with 10 minutes left in the first half. The Bobcats held on to win but the two goals were not enough to reach the playoffs. 

“It feels really good considering they beat us last time we played. We went in with a good mindset and we could take the win home,” Hutson said. “Everyone played to the best of their ability. I’m really proud. It feels good knowing I can help my team win. It helps me feel like I’m part of the team.”

West Lincoln Head Coach Dana Smith was not pleased with her team’s performance Monday night. She said they played like the old West Lincoln teams and she has higher expectations for them. 

Hutson, a junior, stepped up this season after the Bobcats lost offensive production with Autumn Ramshur graduating and Kyndra Quinn transferring to Brookhaven Academy. Hutson said she missed Quinn this year, the two had a strong striking partnership last year. 

“I feel like I’ve stepped up this year. Kyndra was my girl. I’ve had to step up and actually do what I needed to do for my team,” Hutson said. “It has been a good season. We have had ups and downs at the start. We have learned we are all on the same team. No matter who you are, you deserve the same type of love.”

Players hugged the squad’s remaining seniors Maddilyn Sisco, Hope Moak and Kylee Reynolds. Moak in particular started to shed tears as the Bobcats head coach Shane Nippe addressed the team after the game and told them he was proud of the way they played and the win was a great way to end the season. 

Sadly, it was the end for those seniors. 

“I’m going to miss them. Hutson said. “They play a huge role in the team. It is sad this was their last game.”