Aristotle, the famous Greek philosopher, once said, “We are what we repeatedly do, excellence then is not an act, but a habit,” and this is what the Rocklin High boy’s soccer team lives by. It’s the quote on the front page of the team’s website and it’s what they strive for as a group.

As defending Division II Sac-Joaquin Section Champions, the team has entered the season with high expectations and a target on their back. Generally considered the number two team in the Sierra Foothill League behind nationally ranked, Granite Bay, the team has lived up to expectations garnering a 13-3-6 overall record and a second place finish in league with a 6-2-2 record.

When asked if their season has lived up to their expectations senior halfback Josh Bridge, said, “Yes, because we tied Granite Bay.”

Their play over the course of the season and in league has earned them a berth in the section playoffs as the number two seed against the Burbank Bulldogs, Tuesday in the stadium at 6:30. At the same time, only 150 yards away, the Girl’s Volleyball Team will play host to Folsom in the opening round of their Section Playoffs.

Asked how they are game planning for the Bulldogs Bridge said, “They are really fast so we are going to focus on defense and have a defensive mindset.”

Considered favorites to defeat Burbank, the Thunder,would have to win one more game to move on the finals, presumably against over number one Granite Bay.

A win on Tuesday could pit them against Del Oro, third in the SFL, for the third time this season. Del Oro visits Bella Vista Tuesday, should BV win they would host Rocklin on Thursday, a DO win puts the game back in Rocklin.

The finals are at Cosumnes Oaks HS in Elk Grove on Saturday.

The team isn’t isn’t looking forward to the title game though, they have their heads in the present, as Bridge says, “We have to get the section title first.”

All in all, the team is headed into playoffs with a positive attitude having won 6 of their last ten, and coming off a drubbing of Nevada Union, 5-0.

With a repeat three games out of their grasp one can’t help but look ahead to a Section Title match that could shoot fireworks vs. Granite Bay. Don’t tell the Thunder that though, their eyes are only on Burbank, and planning to shock them into submission.