The worst-case scenario for both the Lakota East and Lakota West boys soccer teams was for Thursday's annual battle to end in a tie.

        But after 80 minutes of intense play, the players shook hands and quietly walked off the field, showing little emotion following a scoreless tie.

        As a result, West and East may have eliminated each other in the race for the Greater Miami Conference championship while also damaging their chances of emerging as The Enquirer's poll champion.

        Lakota East was ranked No. 1 in the poll going into the week but the Thunderhawks lost to Oak Hills Tuesday. Lakota West, No. 2 in the poll, suffered a 3-0 setback on Saturday to Turpin, No. 1 in the Division II-III poll.

        In the GMC, Lakota East's final record is 5-1-3 and 13 points. Lakota West has a Tuesday game remaining against Sycamore with the Firebirds now 4-1-3. They would also finish with 13 points with a victory.

        However, Fairfield (5-1-2 and 12 points) plays Oak Hills (6-2) and 12 points) on Tuesday with the winner claiming the title. If the game ends in a tie and West beats Sycamore, the GMC will end in a four-way tie.

        “We needed to lose and it was good for us to get beat Saturday,” Lakota West coach Steve Cummins said. “Tonight we were a different team. The loss livened us up and also livened me up.”

        Lakota East held a 2-1 advantage in the series with the Thun derhawks, winning 3-1 in 1999 and 1-0 in 1998. West's lone victory was a 1-0 triumph in 1997.

        “A tie didn't surprise me because of the similarities of how the teams play,” Lakota West coach Steve Cummins said. “(Lakota East coach) Danny (Landrum) and his assistants all played for me at Lakota.”

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