Shelbyville senior Ranferi De La Paz takes control of the ball with his knee. (T-G Photo by Gary Johnson) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Such is the case for Shelbyville Central as the Golden Eagles look to defend their District 8-AAA tournament championship after claiming a 2-1 win over rival Tullahoma in the semifinals Tuesday night at the SCHS soccer field.

The top-seeded Eagles host No. 2 seed Columbia in the title game Thursday night at 7.

The Wildcats struck first about 15 minutes into the game but the Eagles matched that goal and added another.

Senior Javier Hernandez scored off a corner kick, then teammate Joey Jackson found the back of the net on a breakaway to account for Shelbyville's scoring.

"Tullahoma came in ready to play and put that first score on the board, but I was very pleased how we stepped back regrouped and came back and scored a pair of goals before the end of the half," Eagle coach Neal Gordon said. "I anticipated Tullahoma bunkering up and playing us real defensively but they came out and was very aggressive offensively, especially early in the match. This was an elimination game and we'll take the win no matter what the final score was."

Kirk Reynolds turned in a fine performance for the Eagles. (T-G Photo by Gary Johnson) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

The Eagles dominated play throughout the second half and pounded the ball toward their opponents' net time and time again, missing a number of great scoring chances.

Junior Johnathan Certain got the win in goal.

With the victory, Shelbyville gets an automatic berth to the region. A win over Columbia allows the Eagles to host an opening round game.

Javier Hernandez dribbles past a Tullahoma defender. (T-G Photo by Gary Johnson) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

The Eagles (14-2-3) have now set a new mark in wins for a single season.

"We're excited about getting that 14th win but our focus is on winning another district championship," Gordon said. "At this point of the season you just take them one game at a time."

Columbia 5, Lincoln County 4: The Falcons claimed a 4-1 lead at the half but Columbia rallied for four goals in the second to advance.

"This was one more barn-burner," Gordon said. "Lincoln County really played a great first half and for Columbia to be able to score four goals in the second half says a lot about that team. We're looking forward for a great game with them on Thursday night."