Hartmann looks to build on her 100 career goals in tourney

Molly Hartmann has been on the field with some of the top high school soccer players in the country, and played in some of the top tournaments around.

As a member of the prestigious J.B. Marine select soccer team based out of St. Louis, Hartmann has certainly seen her share of tournament titles. One title which Hartmann would like to get her hands on is a state soccer title. The Jackson junior will get her chance to help the Indians try to achieve that goal starting today, when the Class 2 District 1 playoffs begin at Central High School.

Top-seeded Jackson has won the past two district titles and advanced to the state quarterfinals last season. This year the Indians have won 16 straight and go into districts with a 20-3-1 record.

"We'd like to at least get back there again," Hartmann said of the quarterfinals. "It's always nice to get to play there against those teams and show them we're not just some small town."

Hartmann's skill level can be seen any time the ball finds its way to her feet. Her dazzling foot skills have led the Jackson junior to amass 100 goals in her three years with the Indians. By the time Hartmann graduates next year, she will likely hold every offensive record for the Indian program.

"It's great having a chance to make it with it only being my third year," Hartmann said of the century mark. "It seems like it's gone by fast. It really doesn't feel like I've scored that many, but then it all starts from the back. Everyone does their part."

Hartmann's offense has helped the Indians score 83 goals this season. While Jackson's offense has been impressive, the play of the defense has been nearly flawless. Jackson has allowed only eight goals all season and has recorded 19 shutouts.

"I think sometimes what goes unnoticed for us is our defense," Jackson coach Zach Walton said.

The Indians will likely have to get by rival Central for a fourth time this season to win the district title. Jackson has defeated No. 2 Central all three times by one goal.

Walton said while winning 20 regular season games and finishing with 16 straight wins is nice, those numbers won't mean anything if they lose now.

"Now it's district, and we all start at the same level," he said.

Notre Dame looking to make another run at state title

With 10 regulars back from a team that made it all the way to the Class 1 state championship game a year ago, Notre Dame Regional High School has high expectations heading into the Class 1 District 1 tournament.

Notre Dame, the host, will play the winner of the Sikeston-Fredericktown game today. The Bulldogs are 15-4-2.