River Bluff shuts out Chapin 2-0 to claim region title

In his 45th and final season at the helm of River Bluff Boys Soccer, Head Coach Phil Savitz's Gators are sending him off on top of the region.

River Bluff earned a 2-0 win over visiting Chapin to end the regular season Tuesday and clinch the 5A Region 4 championship.

"Heck of an end to the regular season," Savitz said. "It's just a testament to the leadership of this group of seniors and the belief this team has."

"We've never been more locked in in our entire lives and it meant everything to us," senior captain Logan Watchinski said.

The Gators needed to win by two after falling to the Eagles 2-1 earlier in the season.

A seventh minute goal from junior Tripp Bryant had River Bluff on the front foot quickly with a 1-0 lead that lasted all of the first half.

Then early in the second half, Watchinski let loose a rocket from outside the box that was buried in the back corner to give the Gators the second goal they needed.

"I have not taken a shot from that far out in my entire life," Watchinski said laughing. "After I hit it I just knew it was going in."

"He's been watching me in practice," Savitz joked. "I think it's finally worn off on him. If Coach can do it, I can do it."

Senior goalkeeper John Gilfillan took care of the rest as he secured a shutout in the net to finish off the win.

River Bluff will be the one seed out of the region and get home field advantage in the playoffs that start up Monday, April 29th.