By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

For most of Monday’s Region 5-AAAA soccer showdown, the LaGrange Grangers and Central-Carroll Lions were embroiled in a scoreless game.

Things changed in a big way in the final 10 minutes.

After Central took the lead, LaGrange exploded for three goals in the closing moments to capture a critical 3-1 victory.

It was also a tight one in the girls’ game, with LaGrange outlasting Central-Carroll 2-1.

Both LaGrange teams improved to 5-0 in the region, and they’ll play for the region championship on April 19 at Cartersville.

In Monday’s boys’ game, the Lions looked to have momentum after scoring the go-ahead goal, but it didn’t take the Grangers long to answer.

About a minute after Central’s goal, Liam McDonald scored the tying goal on an assist from Max Halcomb.

Moments later, the Grangers took the lead on a goal from Harrison Hunnicutt, and that proved to be the game-winner.

With less than 30 seconds remaining, McDonald ended the suspense with a goal to give the Grangers a 3-1 lead.

Jimmy Cancino assisted on the final two goals.

While the late goals were critical, a stout defense helped keep LaGrange in the game, and sophomore goal keeper Jack DeVane did his job well.

In the girls’ game, all the scoring came in the first half.

LaGrange took a 1-0 lead about 15 minutes into the game, with Caroline Thompson assisting on a goal from Izzy Pippin.

After Central tied it, Thompson made what turned out to be the game-winning goal on an assist from Abby Mazzolini.

There was no scoring in the second half as LaGrange’s defense locked down on Central, with senior goal keeper getting it done.

LaGrange’s teams will host Hardaway today before taking some time off.

After road games against Alexander, Northside and Auburn, LaGrange’s teams will travel to Cartersville to play for the region title.