NORCROSS — No. 2-ranked Norcross defeated Alpharetta 2-1 Thursday in the first round of the Class AAAAAA boys soccer state playoffs.

The Blue Devils, now 16-1-1, will play at Region 3-AAAAAA champion Pebblebrook on Wednesday in the Sweet 16. Pebblebrook escaped the first round with a 4-3 win over South Gwinnett (4-3 on penalty kicks).

After a scoreless first half and a lightning delay, Norcross jumped ahead 1-0 with a half volley rocket from Dennis Leiva. Alpharetta got the equalizer on a penalty kick, but the Blue Devils responded quickly with a game-winning goal from Gary Perez off an assist from Stephen Reyes.