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Photos by Dea Celaj (game) and Jocelyn Ratti (pep rally)
By Byrde Wells, Sports Editor
For First Flight’s varsity soccer team, the motto has been consistent during the playoffs: the third time’s a charm. And Tuesday night, this motto became a reality.
After battling through four rounds of the playoffs and defeating Carrboro High School 3-1 in the east regional championship, First Flight earned a bid to the 2-A NCHSAA state championship game against west champion Chase High School.
This is the third time in the past four years First Flight has made it to the state championship game, but both of the previous times the team suffered heartbreaking losses. So this time, the team plans to switch up its pre-game strategy, opting to leave Saturday morning instead of leaving Friday and staying overnight in Raleigh.
”The plan for Saturday is to get there with enough time where we can relax before we start warming up,” coach Juan Ramirez said. “It’s not easy to find fields to train up in Raleigh, so we will have our own field Friday (to train). Their friends in football are playing Friday night, so our team can cheer them on as well. There’s nothing like being home: We train here and leave early Saturday morning.”
Many of the juniors and seniors on this year’s team were a part of the 2013 and 2014 Nighthawk teams that were able to reach the championship game. This gives First Flight a unique advantage heading into the contest.
“We understand the atmosphere and we know the west is gonna be really good at soccer, so we gotta bring our A-game and defeat whoever opposes us,” senior centerback Miller Cipriano said.
For sophomore Trent Powell, however, this will be his first time playing in a state championship game. It is also going to be his last game playing with the seniors.
“It’s pretty exciting and I can’t wait. We deserve it because of all the hard work we put in,” Powell said. “I’m gonna miss all my teammates I’ve played for years with.”
Conquering the east region was nothing short of a formidable task for First Flight, as it had tough battles with fourth- and fifth-round opponents Jordan-Matthews and Carrboro, respectively. Despite the wins, they didn’t come without a price.
“I’m very pleased (with the playoffs). There were things we need to improve on,” Ramirez said. “The tough part was losing (starting goalie) Grayson Shier in the regional championship. He’s been such a vital part of the team. But thank goodness we have trained (backup goalie) Wilmer (Andino), and Grayson has helped me train Wimer to the level he is right now.”
The Chase Trojans were able to beat Lake Norman Charter in a hard-fought win Tuesday night, escaping with a 1-0 win for the western championship. They are led by senior striker Preston “Petey” Walker, who has scored 69 goals on the season along with 17 assists. Only two other players on the team have double-digit numbers in goals scored this season. Defensively, the Nighthawks will have to be on their toes.
“The forwards can have a lot of tenacity on the field and the midfielders can really run their hearts out and help defend and attack,” Cipriano said. “The defense can keep their shape and really lock down.”
Offensively, the Nighthawks have a more simple approach.
“(We need to) stay positive and work as a team,” said senior striker Cam Hill, who leads the team with 42 goals on the season. “(We need to) work really hard and fight for the ball to hopefully score goals.”
Game time starts at 5:05 p.m. Saturday at N.C. State’s Dail Soccer Field. Tickets will cost $8, and per NCHSAA rules no body paint or electronic noisemakers are allowed. Posters are allowed, but must not be inappropriate or obstructing the view of other fans. First Flight fans are planning a tailgate that will take place at 2 p.m. on top of the parking garage overlooking the field.
“To the fans, come out and be loud. Kill it,” Hill said.
Senior Byrde Wells can be reached at wellsje1210@daretolearn.org.
