It took nearly every ounce of energy for a battered Pam Pack to advance to the round of 16 in the Class 2-A state soccer playoffs. A team that continues to battle injuries, Washington will take on its toughest challenge to date in what will likely be the team’s final home game of 2014.

Fresh off a 5-2 upset of the No. 4-seeded Greene Central, No. 13 Croatan travels to the banks of the Pamlico tomorrow in hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time in years. The Cougars, who finished second in a competitive East Central Conference, are seeking a statement win against a Pam Pack squad accustomed to finding the back of the net. Just two-years removed from an embarrassing 3-16-3 finish, head coach Paul Slater now has his team playing overly defensive-minded soccer.

The turnaround can be attributed to a battle-tested core of senior leaders playing at the top of their game for a second-straight season. It’s the end product of a successful rebuilding process in Slater’s eighth year at the helm.

The back line, led by seniors Dustyn Taylor and captain Gunner Tolston, has proven its one of the best in eastern North Carolina. In 23 games this season, Croatan is giving up about one goal per game. A statistic that stands out on paper is supported by a veteran presence between the posts.

Senior keeper Zac Tracy has notched 60-plus saves in each of his three seasons as the Cougars’ varsity goal. This year, his 11 shutouts, coupled with 73 saves and 19 goals allowed, make him among the area’s best. Tracy, who is also the kicker and second-leading rusher for the football team, has been the foundation behind a standout back line.

Granted, Croatan is known for a hard-nosed defense, but Washington enters tied with First Flight for the 2-A lead in goals scored with 126. The matchup is a favorable one for a Pam Pack attack that has hardly wavered, but unlike Croatan, it’s the defense that’s been plagued with injury and inconsistency.

“We don’t expect to win this game 5-0, but we think we have enough firepower to get a goal or two,” Washington head coach Jim Kozuch said. “We’re going to have to rely on our defense to carry us this game.”

With junior Dylan Singleton sidelined for the third-straight game, it’s up to Gabriel Valle-Torres, Holt McKeithan and Leo Brown to frustrate the opposing forwards and protect the 18-yard box. Unlike Washington’s offensive production, most of which comes from its two forwards, 15 different players have scored at some point this season for Croatan. And while none have reached double-digits, four have notched eight-or-more goals.

“Defensively, they’re going to have to communicate and play together,” Kozuch said. “It hasn’t been a lack of skill, just a couple times they’ve gotten caught off guard. We’ve seen some flashes of brilliance and hopefully we’ll see that brilliance tomorrow.”

For the Pam Pack, reaching the quarterfinals is a milestone in itself. Last season, Washington’s two-goal halftime lead was erased in the second half by Carrboro, cutting the Pam Pack playoff run short. It’s a game each one of the returning starters has kept in the back of their minds all season, using it as motivation to make an even deeper run.

“After last season, getting to the quarterfinals means everything to them,” Kozuch said. “They understand the importance. Last year, it was heartbreaking to go down. It was like watching a slowly sinking ship. This year, if we get up (in the match), I don’t think there’s any way we can lose because we’ve built that experience. Last year was uncharted territory. Now, we’ve been there once and are trying to go somewhere new.”

Tomorrow’s game kicks off at 6 p.m. at Wagner Stadium in Washington. The winner will face either No.1-seeded First Flight or No. 25-seeded East Duplin in the quarterfinals.

“You let them know that this, for some of the seniors, could be their last game ever,” Kozuch said. “You want to get them excited and let them know if they don’t give 110 percent, it could mean the end.”