And then there was one...

Loyola represents the last hope of an area high school soccer team in bringing home a state title. The Flyers were the favorites in their first two games, but it gets harder beginning Tuesday. They play Ben Franklin in the Division II quarterfinals Tuesday afternoon.

Franklin won it all in 2004. Loyola is the only area boys team to win one, back in 1996.

The good news for Loyola is that the game will be played at Independence Stadium, and Ben Franklin's got a 5 1/2-hour drive up from New Orleans.

Loyola probably had the easiest path to this point of any area team, though there are better teams out there. I thought Caddo Magnet and Parkway could have had good runs and had a shot at playing in the semifinals.

The Flyers cannot afford to play from behind against Ben Franklin. If Loyola falls behind by a goal, this game is likely over. I don't think Loyola has the offensive firepower to get past a disciplined defense like Ben Franklin. The Flyers must score first to prove to themselves that they can play with the powers from south La.