Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

It’s on to the third round of the state 1A playoffs for Polk County’s boys soccer squad.

The Wolverines built a 2-0 halftime lead, then held on during a wild second half to take a 3-1 victory over North Rowan in the second round of the state 1A playoffs in Spencer.

Polk County (11-9-2) moves on to face top-seeded Thomas Jefferson (18-0-2). That match will be played Monday at 6 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson.

Cooper Meyer gave Polk an early 1-0 lead, redirecting a Harrison Ashworth corner kick into the upper half of the goal at the far post. Sebastian Azar then made it 2-0 on a direct kick from just outside the penalty area.

North Rowan (11-8-1) scored in the opening minutes of the second half and began to more physically challenge Wolverine players. Polk held on, thanks in part to a couple of key saves by Cade Bright, and scored an insurance goal with some five minutes remaining as Meyer pushed home a shot following a pass from Manny Albarran.

The Cavaliers ended the evening with a pair of red cards and four yellow cards, with the Wolverines receiving two yellows.

“The back three of Charlie Jackson, James Purtill and Will Garrison did a good job of turning away an attack that averaged almost three goals per game,” said Polk head coach George Alley.

It marks the first time since 2018 that Polk County has reached the third round of playoff competition.