The third time’s a charm: Whether you think of this as a simple phrase, everyday idiom or a cliche, it signifies something much more for First Flight’s varsity men’s soccer team.

The 2A NCHSAA soccer playoffs have arrived, with First Flight clinching the No. 1 seed in the east for the third straight year. The past two seasons, First Flight has reached the state championship game, losing both games by a slim margin. With another shot at an elusive state title, the players think this year is the year.

“I think our chances are very high this year. The bracket goes in our favor and we play a lot of familiar teams,” junior center back Miller Cipriano said. “Also, the second team in the east bracket is Washington, who we already beat 4-2. I don’t think there is a team that can beat us if we play our game.”

Tommy Scott

First Flight had yet another successful regular season, staying undefeated and taking the Northeastern Coastal Conference crown. Notable wins included victories over Cape Henry Collegiate and Washington High School: “I’m very proud of them for playing like a team, always looking to help one another,” Coach Juan Ramirez said. “They have great chemistry and push each other every day at practice.”

There are many keys for a successful playoff run for the Nighthawks. One of these includes a stout defensive gameplan to stifle any offensive opportunities by opposing teams. However, it’s just as much mental as physical for the Nighthawks’ defense.

“Our defense must play smart, vocal and physical,” Cipriano said. “If our defense has holes or is not in the game mentally, then that leaves a major gap and puts more work on the midfield.”

Greyson Murphy

One of the other keys for the team’s playoff run this year includes learning from previous years’ mistakes.

“We just need to do everything we can control to succeed. We can’t control who we play, injuries, etc.,” senior defender Ian Kenny said. “If we practice well, eat right and make sure we’re ready to play every game, we can make history.”

Kenny has now been a part of First Flight’s soccer program for four years. As this is his last season, the desire to bring home a state title has reached a new level of importance.

“There’s no greater motivator than knowing any game could be your last. We’ve had a lot of success these last few years, so I think the time has come to finally reach that ultimate goal,” Kenny said.

The Nighthawks’ road to Raleigh begins tonight at home against conference foe Hertford County. Game time is at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $6. Per NCHSAA rules, passes are not accepted during the playoffs.

“We need to realize that the only people that can beat us is ourselves,” Ramirez said. “ We will bring home a state title if we play as a team.”

Junior Byrde Wells can be reached at wellsje1210@daretolearn.org