SAVANNAH, Ga. () — The Islands boys soccer team has a chance to reach the state quarterfinals with a win on Friday.

The sharks will face a familiar opponent in the second round of the state playoffs: Johnson. These two played back on Feb. 27 and Islands won, 4-2.

Islands breezed past Dawson County 8-0 in the first round.

Players say the biggest difference this year is the team chemistry. They say players are taking the game more seriously than in previous years.

“We’ve had a lot of ups and downs,” said goalie Wilmer Martinez. “We’ve played some competitive teams. I say we’re in a good spot. We have a good path to the state.”

“We’ve lost three games in terms of PKs to very good teams,” head coach Justin Brantley said. “Of course, every game you go into you hope to win. But it seems like throughout the season, we’ve gotten something out of those losses.”

Johnson and Islands face off May 2 at 7 p.m. at Islands Stadium.