The GHSA soccer tournament kicks off tonight for the boys’ division. A look at first round matchups for north Fulton teams...

South Cobb at Centennial, 7:30 p.m. tonight

There is not a hotter team in the state than the Knights of Centennial. Phil Thomas’ team has won 14 consecutive games and is a legitimate contender for the Class-AAAAA crown. Centennial (14-2) closed the regular season with a victory over then No. 1-ranked Walton to secure 6-AAAAA’s top seed.

The Knights’ backfield of Ryan Spence, Andrew Lord, Michael Hampl, Connor Davis, and goalie Brendan Moore oozes athleticism, and has made life miserable for opposing offenses. Twelve of Centennial’s victories came via shutout, and the team has yielded just nine goals on the season.

“We’re excited. It’s a very confident group, but it’s a safe confidence,” said Thomas. “We’re still focused on the task at hand…the team’s goal is a state championship."

Roswell at Harrison, 7:30 p.m. tonight

The upstart Hornets (9-6) rallied from an 0-2 region start to win six of their final seven 6-AAAAA contests and seven of eight overall. The capper was a 3-2 victory over previously No. 7-ranked Pope last Tuesday to secure the final seed from the region with their backs against the wall.

Roswell’s reward is a trip to Kennesaw to battle the No. 6 Hoyas of Harrison (12-4). The Hoyas – the 2007 state champs – claimed the region title by virtue of a three-way tie in 5-AAAAA.

“Obviously they have a very good program…and a nice tradition of outstanding players,” Roswell head coach Bob Rumble said of Harrison. “We’ll have our hands full, but we’re looking forward to the opportunity.”

Blessed Trinity at Coosa, Friday at 7 p.m.

The No. 9 Titans (9-5-2) will attempt to advance past the first round of the state playoffs for the first time under head coach Don Gillig. Unfortunately, a potential breakthrough will have to take place on the road, as Pace was awarded the tie-breaker over BT for the 10-AA/A No. 1 seed.

Gillig said experience is of paramount importance this time of year, and the Titans will take a young team with only three seniors to Rome to do battle with the Eagles (7-6-1). Gillig hopes steady junior Max Alford has a good night in goal.

“It’s always difficult going on the road,” said the coach. “We have a fairly young team this year. For many of them, this is their first go-round on varsity.”