TIFTON — Thursday was a tough start to the Tift County High soccer seasons. Both squads were shut out by visiting Richmond Hill.

The games were the regular season debuts for Tift, and also their Region 1-6A debuts.

It was an 8-0 win for the Lady Wildcats of Richmond Hill, with the boys team headed back to the coast with a 7-0 victory.

Goalkeepers in both games were busy. Diana Reducindo and Braylon Samuel each scrambled, dove and tipped away many balls for Richmond Hill.

Jordyn Shivers had several late attempts on goal for Tift. Brock Harden had one of the best chances for the Devils when a free kick of his was saved 10 minutes into the match.

Tift’s energy was renewed in the second half and the offense began pressuring Richmond Hill. Though nothing made it into the opposing net, better luck would have made the game closer.  A Juan Rodriguez free kick was snared with the keeper on his tippy-toes.

The Devils and Lady Devils were to head to Cook Tuesday and have another road and region match Friday at Colquitt County.