JACKSON KICKERS DROP SECTIONAL CONTEST IN DOUBLE OVERTIME 1-0

FENTON -- Jackson soccer saw its state playoff experience last longer this year, but the Indians still found themselves thwarted in the sectional round.

The experience was also proved a little more heart-breaking.

The Indians saw their first 20-win season in school history end with a 1-0, double-overtime loss to Hazelwood Central in a Class 4A sectional contest Thursday at the Anheuser-Busch Conference & Sports Centre.

Hazelwood Central's Tyler Linder ended the deadlock by splitting two defenders and booting a low shot to the right of goalkeeper Paul Johns. Linder's 13th goal of the season came with three minutes left in the second 10-minute overtime.

The goal ended Jackson's season at 20-5-2.

"Actually we played a great game," said Jackson coach Bonnie Knowlan. "We dominated most of the second half. We just couldn't get the break to get it into the net. They did a good job marking Nathan (Windeknecht)."

Windeknecht saw his Jackson career and sensational senior season end on a quiet note. He came into the game with 48 goals this season but was tightly guarded by Hazelwood and was not a factor.

"Nathan never got too many opportunities because they did a good job of marking him," said Knowlan.

It marked the second straight season Jackson won its district and advanced to the sectional round. The Indians lost 3-1 to Lindbergh last year.

"We gave them everything they wanted," said Knowlan. "We definitely played a lot better than last year when we came up here. It's just one of those things."