Conference streak in hand, Wave looking for playoff run

Forestview’s conference unbeaten streak of 54 matches from 2004 to 2009 remains the standard in the Big South 3A Conference.

But Ashbrook took over perhaps a more impressive streak this season as it eclipsed the Jaguars for most consecutive conference wins. That is, successive wins without a tie.

Forestview went 51-0-3 during its unbeaten league stretch, but its longest winning streak without a tie was 32 from the start of the 2005 season to midway through the 2007 campaign.

Ashbrook has won 37 consecutive conference matches thanks to its third consecutive 12-0 league record this season and a victory to close the 2008 season.

“It’s just been hard work during the summer time and a dedicated group of boys that have done this,” said Ashbrook coach Joel Webb, who took the job in 2008. “They came into Ashbrook wanting to be the best they could be and represent the school. With me coming in also, they bought into the system and have worked hard.”

The Green Wave (15-3-4) will open the 3A state playoffs Wednesday at home against North Buncombe (5-14-2) at 7 p.m.

Other Big South teams start on the road Wednesday: No. 2 seed Forestview visits Fred T. Foard (14-9-1), No. 3 seed Hunter Huss (13-8-1) travels to East Henderson (18-2-1) and No. 4 seed South Point (9-9-1) goes to Freedom (14-6-2).

Lincolnton and East Lincoln open the 2A playoffs at home while North Lincoln travels to Shelby.

Juan Villa (18 goals and 17 assists) has led a powerful Ashbrook offense. Other offensive leaders include Santiago Aspirilla (16 goals, 10 assists), Marck del Castillo (14 goals, seven assists) and Nick Fuller (11 goals, three assists).

Josh Cloyd registered 10 shutouts in goal during conference play. Other defensive leaders for the Green Wave include Daniel Nelli, Chris Murillo and Carlos Loazia.

Ashbrook reached the fourth round of the playoffs last season but was eliminated by perennial power Hickory for the second straight year. The Green Wave could again meet Hickory (19-1-2) — this time in the second round — if both teams advance tonight, but Webb isn’t looking past North Buncombe.

“They’re in a very tough conference,” Webb said. “They’re in that split 3A/4A. You never know about those teams. They’re much stronger than their record. They have to be.”

Phillip Gardner: 704-869-1843; twitter.com/gazettephil