It's playoff time, and Hammond is hot again.

The Bears (8-6-1), who stunned everyone to earn a Class 2A regional championship last season before losing in the state semifinals, won their West region semifinal yesterday against another upstart, Atholton, 4-1.

With highly vocal cheering sections urging on both squads, the host Bears nursed a 1-0 lead into halftime before exploding early in the second half.

Last season's Player of the Year, Kwaku Boateng, always triple-teamed, is coming to life and scored the fourth goal yesterday, his 14th of the season and sixth of the playoffs.

Sophomore center midfielder Steve Basso continues to step up for Hammond, scoring two goals against Atholton (3-10). He's filled a key role replacing second-team All-Metro midfielder Gordon Murray.

"If Gordy had come back, Steve probably would not be playing such a big role," said Bears coach Trevin London.

Class 3A West

Liberty 3, Seneca Valley 2: Junior Trevor Havey scored two goals and junior Pete Welty added another as the host Lions (8-7) edged the Eagles (8-2).

Welty put Liberty on the board on a free kick midway through the first half. Havey scored about midway through the second half to make it 2-0, before adding an insurance tally that Liberty would need with about eight minutes to go.