AIKEN --- South Aiken's forwards showed plenty of confidence as they prepared for Tuesday night's boys Class AAA Lower State title game against Airport.

Starting forwards Travis Naylor and Brett Van Pelt weren't overconfident because of their own ability; the confidence stemmed from the play of their defense.

"If we get one goal, our defense will hold and we win every time," Van Pelt said. "They're that good."

The Thoroughbred defense once again showed its dominance in a 3-0 victory.

South Aiken, with five senior starters, extended its shutout streak to six, including all four postseason matches.

The Thoroughbreds (19-1) will play Eastside for the title at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Columbia.

"I thought our defense played especially well," South Aiken coach Paul Waters said. "It was another great performance. We're playing with confidence right now."

The state semifinal was the third game between the two teams this season. South Aiken won at Airport, and the Eagles returned the favor in the rematch. Tuesday's game was one-sided from the start.

Just over 10 minutes in, senior captain Dan Riley's header, off a Michael Poole throw-in, gave South Aiken an early lead. Junior Allen Grier scored on a pass from Van Pelt 10 minutes later, and Van Pelt gave the Thoroughbreds full command with a goal early in the second half.

South Aiken goalkeeper Chad Christen-sen made four saves. He spent most of the night watching his offense keep the ball on the other side of the field.

A 2-0 halftime lead seemed slim compared to the number of opportunities the Thoroughbreds had in the first half.

"We had plenty of chances," Riley said. "But it wasn't a problem because of our defense. They've been playing so well, all we need is one goal."