By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

It was good to be home.

LaGrange High’s soccer teams played on their home turf at Callaway Stadium for the first time in a month on Friday, and it was a winning night for both clubs.

LaGrange’s girls’ team, coming off its big win over Cartersville on Tuesday that wrapped up the Region 5-AAAA championship, enjoyed a relaxing night with a 10-0 victory over Spencer.

LaGrange’s boys’ team, which fell to Cartersville in the region-championship game, beat a strong Smiths Station team 3-1.

Both teams now turn their attention to the state playoffs that begin next week, and they’ll both be at home.

LaGrange’s girls’ team will take on Gilmer County, while LaGrange’s boys’ team will play Lafayette.

Friday was about taking it easy before the pressure grinder of the playoffs, and of recognizing and honoring the seniors.

The seniors for both teams have accomplished a great deal during their time at the school, and they got their moment in the spotlight during a ceremony between games.

The seniors on the boys’ team played for a new head coach this season in Shane Pulliam, and he was appreciative of the way they embraced him.

“It’s always hard when you have a coach for three years, and you get a new coach your last year,” Pulliam said. “I try to make it fun, and we do the work, too. I give them a lot of control, and a lot of leadership responsibilities, and as long as they’re doing their stuff, then I’ll leave them to do it.”

The seniors on the girls’ team are part of a program that has won back-to-back region championships and reached the state quarterfinals last season.

“For me, it’s all about the seniors,” said Andy Fritchley, who coaches the girls’ team along with Colin Ross. “It’s all about that special group that’s been around the program a long time. To have a special night to honor them, that’s very meaningful for me, because you get to see the progress over so many years, and you grow as a family with them, and you’re around them so much.”

In the boys’ game, LaGrange got goals from Toni Sosa, Robert Reese and John McDonald.

McDonald’s goal came on a nifty play in the second half.

LaGrange had a free kick, and five players lined up at the ball, so Smiths Station didn’t know who was going to attempt it.

Max Halcomb took the kick, and with four players rushing toward the goal, John McDonald got his foot on the ball and put it in the back of the net for the goal.

“It’s something I just put in, and I’ve been saving it, because I don’t want anybody to know about it,” Pulliam said. I was hoping we’d get the opportunity, because we’ve always scored every time I’ve ever done it. It’s four against the keeper.”

In the girls’ game, every one of the seniors scored a goal, and that included Maurie White, who is usually the goal keeper.

Lindsey Woodham and Maggie Asbell each had two goals, and White, Hayley Brazell, Eva Hutton, Malone Aldridge, Vanessa Lopez and Caroline Thompson had one apiece.

White, Asbell, Katelyn Peters, Hutton and Hana Sato each had assists.