A year ago the Aledo Bearcats were struggling through district on their way to seeing their run of 13 straight playoff appearances come to an end.

If the playoffs began at the beginning of this week, the Bearcats would not only be back in, they would be going in as the top seed from District 8-5A.

Aledo (9-3 overall) improved to 4-0 in district with wins of 3-1 over defending district champion Everman and 2-1 over Crowley.

"Super excited. The boys are playing tough," said Aledo coach Derek Vierling.

The Bearcats have posted six shutouts this season.

Dejan Savic scored two goals against Everman. Reed Vierling had a goal and assist, and Max Owens had an assist.

Danny de la Cerda and Vierling had goals against Crowley, and Owens assisted on both.

BOYS

? Arlington Martin 3, Weatherford 0

? North Crowley 4, Weatherford 0

The Kangaroos (5-5-1 overall) continued to struggle in District 4-6A. The two losses dropped them to 0-4 in the league.

Martin capitalized on defensive miscues. In the loss to North Crowley, Weatherford coach David Barclay said, "We played really well, but could not overcome mistakes."

GIRLS

? Aledo 2, Everman 0

? Aledo 3, Crowley 2

The Ladycats (8-2-2, 3-1 in District 8-5A) got goals from Payton Laughley and Brooke Jones in defeating Everman. Jones also had an assist, as did Kaitlin Detherage.

Laughley, Detherage and Kristen Burns had goals in the win over Crowley, while Haley Knesek had two assists. Maddie Lozano also had an assist.

Arlington Martin 5, Weatherford 0

Weatherford 3, North Crowley 2

Maggie Bustos' goal, assisted by Connor Mackenzie, was the game-winner as the Lady Kangaroos (4-8-1, 1-3 in District 4-6A) got their first league win. Audrey Huggins had two goals off of assists from Eliana Harmer and Gaby DeLeon.