Ocean Springs is in the midst of a successful run on the soccer pitch.
Three of the last four seasons, the Greyhounds have kicked around their opponents to claim 6A South State titles.
A big reason for their success was the play of Sun Herald Boys Soccer Player of the Year Steven Gallagher.
The two-time Sun Herald All-South Mississippi selection has proven to be a selfless leader, which was evident in his play and responses prior to the Sun Herald's photo shoot last week. Asked which playoff push meant the most, the senior didn't hesitate -- last season's.
"I was really disappointed we didn't win last year because I was trying hard for the seniors," he said. "This year, it still meant a lot because it was my last year, but working for other people made (the playoff runs) really special."
Ocean Springs coach Jeff French said the answer was indicative of the type of person and player he just graduated.
"He wants to score goals," French said, "but he's going to do whatever you ask him to do if it's in the best interest of the team."
Gallagher didn't receive the Sun Herald's honor just because he's a good dude. He's also a heckuva soccer player who will play on the next level at William Carey.
"If you can read the game, it slows the game down for you," French said. "His ability to be able to see that gives him more opportunities to be clever with his moment."
Gallagher wasn't the fastest player on the pitch, but used his soccer IQ to his advantage and scored 21 goals in a number of ways.
"He's a smart kid. One minute you think you have him marked and the next he's heading the ball into the goal," French said of Gallagher, who also was among the state's leaders with 12 assists. "He scored on set pieces, whether it was him kicking them or from other people kicking it and him knocking it in; and then just beating the defender.
"He's just a complete player. When he shows up to the pitch he means business."
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