MITCHELL – The Aberdeen Central boys are heading into the soccer playoffs on a very positive note.

The Golden Eagles capped off the regular season by racking up six goals in 30 minutes en route to a 7-1 Eastern South Dakota Conference victory over Mitchell on Tuesday.

Gabe Johnson finished with three goals, and Jordan Grieben had two goals and three assists to power the victory.

Central led just 1-0 at the half before taking control in the second half.

“We focused on defensive pressure,” said Central coach Lance Mohr of the difference between the two halves, “and winning the ball back earlier helped us play with better rhythm.”

Grieben had the lone goal of the first half, scoring in the 11th minute on an assist from Derek Arunasalam.

The Eagles then bolted out of the gate to start the second half and clicked off six goals in the opening 30 minutes. Johnson had a hat trick with Grieben assisting on two of those goals. Grieben, Sekou Gogue and Tyler Bain also found the back of the net.

“We were much more intentional about what we were doing,” Mohr said of the second half.

Central capped off the regular season with an 8-2-2 record. The Eagles will host an opponent to be determined on Tuesday at Brownell Activities Complex. They will head into that contest with a ton of momentum following a powerful half of soccer.

“It was nice to see the ball go in the goal before we head into the playoffs,” Mohr said.

Aberdeen Central 1 6 – 7

Mitchell 0 1 – 1

First Half

1, AC, Jordan Grieben (Derek Arunasalam), 11^th minute.

Second Half

2, AC, Gabe Johnson (Grieben), 42^nd minute; 3, AC, Sekou Gogue, 45^th minute; 4, AC, Grieben, 52^nd minute; 5, Johnson (Tyson Hassebroek), 58^th minute; 6, Johnson (Grieben), 62^nd minute; 7, Tyler Bain (Grieben), 72^nd; 8, M, player not reported, 77^th minute.

Shots on Goal: Aberdeen Central 21 shots; Mitchell 3 shots.

Goalies: Aberdeen Central, Camden Fauth (2 saves); Mitchell, Logan Oehlerking (14 saves).