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Top seeds aren't supposed to get such stern tests so early in the postseason.

But there was Sherwood on Tuesday night, fighting for its playoff life until a late goal by junior James Mbony pushed the host Warriors to a 2-1 win over crosstown rival Magruder in a 4A West Region quarterfinal match.

Sherwood advances to play at Whitman, Friday at 7 p.m.

"It's never about skill against Magruder; it's always about heart," said Sherwood coach Hector Morales Jr. "This game is emotional more than anything else."

A year after the Colonels eliminated them on the way to the regional title, the Warriors (12-3) wanted to show why they had earned this season's top seed. Magruder had other plans, however, and used an inspired defensive effort to limit the Warriors' early looks.

Just 15 minutes into the game, the ninth-seeded Colonels (6-9-1) got a corner kick that could have turned the tournament upside down. Andres Zeballos sent a booming cross toward the goal that Drew Hock deflected but could not wrap up. Zeballos' teammate, Ricardo Gaitan, was following the play, and sent the deflection into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.

"We were hoping to get a shutout and score a goal in this game," Magruder coach Steve Pfeil said. "But any game can be lost, and we lost this one to the best team in the county. In the end, their character and perseverance just came through."

For the next 12 minutes, the Colonels used the momentum to hold back a relentless Sherwood offense that peppered shots at goalkeeper Torsten Meuschke. The Warriors finally broke through and tied the score with 13 minutes, 32 seconds left before halftime when midfielder Tyler Rudy converted a pass from back Henry Bain.

Both teams turned the heat up after halftime and fought a virtual stalemate for more than 35 minutes. But when Mbony saw the ball coming off of teammate Tomi Adewole's foot in front of the net, the Warriors' top scorer connected to break the tie and send Sherwood into the semifinals.

"It meant everything, because we beat our rivals," Mbony said. "We knew they weren't going to give us anything. Our defense deserves a lot of credit. They kept us in the game."

Morales added: "I was pleased with our performance overall. It's always nice to get the first win under your belts, and winning a game like this just builds confidence going into the next round."

In other action

In the 4A West, No. 2 Northwest scored twice in the final 20 minutes to top Walter Johnson, 4-2, in the Jaguars' playoff opener. They advanced to Friday's regional semifinals and a date with No. 3 B-CC.

The Jags took an early two-goal lead on finishes by Robert Hernandez and striker Kevin Andino, who set a school record with his 13th goal of the year. After the Wildcats rallied to tie the match, Andino streaked down the left flank and served a perfectly-placed pass to striker Joe Clarke, who scored far post, right side.

"He's been awesome, and I think the best player in the county," said Northwest head coach Kert Mease of Andino. "He's been terrific and consistent the whole year, scoring big goals in big situations. He's the real deal."

Seven minutes later, James Gallo added an insurance goal.

Third-seeded Clarksburg played up to its reputation, shackling No. 7 Linganore and getting just enough offense in a 1-0 victory, advancing to the 3A West semifinals. The Coyotes defense, back-lined by goalkeeper Austin Fiedler, posted its 10th shutout.

The game was scoreless until the 60th minute, after midfielder Julio Arjona sent a pass to striker Fernand Fekeu, who found line mate Jonathan Kukapa. A recent junior varsity call-up, Kukapa chipped just over the Lancers' leaping goalkeeper.

The Coyotes will next host the No. 3 Northwood, who topped Frederick, 5-1. Dennis Runikera scored twice for the Gladiators.