By Ross Johnson

Sports Writer

LaGrange High was lights out on both sides of the ball in Wednesday’s 6-0 Class AAA first-round playoff win over Westover at Callaway Stadium.

The Granger offense was relentless with senior Charlie Vitale scoring three goals, and the defense led by goal keeper Donnie Palmer suffocated Westover’s attack in the dominating victory.

LaGrange, the champion of Region 2-AAA, will host the winner between Eagle’s Landing and Liberty County on Wednesday.

Vitale’s performance was outstanding, as he scored the Grangers’ first two goals in the first half.

A 2-0 halftime lead grew larger on two scores from sophomore Paul Hutton and another from senior Peter Fonte.

Vitale added his third score on an impressive assist from Hutton with more than 14 minutes left in the game.

The Granger offense kept constant pressure on the Westover defense, and head coach Keita Placide was happy to see his team execute.

“I think the plan (to keep constant offensive pressure) worked to perfection,” Placide said. “We knew Westover would play with high intensity on defense and we took advantage of it.”

The Granger defense mostly helped their offense, as the majority of game action was on Westover’s side of the field.

When LaGrange needed defensive stops, however, Placide thought the unit responded well.

“We’ve gotten better on defense as the year has gone on,” Placide said.

Vitale added three more scores to his impressive season total, which reached 15 after Wednesday’s hat trick.

The left forward/midfielder is glad to be making an early mark in this season’s playoffs.

“It’s my last season,” Vitale said. “I’m going to work as hard as I can and take things seriously. I don’t want it to end yet.”

The Grangers are excited to advance into the next round, and Placide is glad it will be in the friendly confines of Callaway Stadium.

“The next three games will be at home if we keep winning,” Placide said. “That’s something we could have used last year.”

Vitale said the Grangers have the potential to go deep into the playoffs, especially playing at home.

“We’re getting there,” Vitale said. “We’ve got to be on the same page. I think this win was a good one, we just have to keep working at it.”