TAKING IT DOWN THE FIELD: The Syrupmakers advanced to the next round of playoffs after an 8-2 win over the Baldwin Braves.

CAIRO — The Cairo Syrupmakers soccer team is taking each game one game at a time. It’s a philosophy that worked well for the Region 1-4A champions during the regular season. It served them well during their first-round state playoff game last Friday night.

Cairo opened the Class 4-A playoffs with an 8-2 rout of the Baldwin Braves. The Syrupmakers will host the state second round on Thursday with a matchup against Starr’s Mill, starting at 6 p.m. at West Thomas Stadium.

“It’s what we’ve been practicing for and telling the kids, preparing them and the importance of every single game. It’s not about, are we going to make it to the state championship? It’s about, let’s prepare for each game,” Cairo coach Gui Henrique said. “As long as we prepare for each game and focus for each game, a state championship is the reward of the hard work for each game.”

The Syrupmakers had a balanced scoring attack in their first playoff game. Ismael Ponce paced the Syrupmakers with four goals, while Andres Mendez added a pair of goals. Kevin Barrios and Julio Matias-Perez each scored a goal.

Cairo improved to 12-2-2 on the season. Starr’s Mill is 10-7. The Panthers defeated Southeast Bulloch 7-0 in their first-round game. Starr’s Mill is the No. 2 seed from Area 4.