By Byrde Wells, Sports Editor
Amidst the rambunctious fans, pink and gold afternoon sky, and the brisk November cold, the Nighthawks proved to be too overwhelming for the Chase Trojans, dominating all facets of the game en route to a 4-0 victory. The third time was a charm for the Nighthawks on Saturday, as First Flight capitalized on its third trip to the 2-A NCHSAA Championship soccer game in the past four years.
“I worked as hard as I ever had, gave it my all, and we came out with a dub,” senior Samuel Kitchin said.
First Flight was persistent and aggressive all game, with the majority of its goals being rebounds after initial shots on goal were stopped by the Trojans defense. The Nighthawks got off to a quick start after juniors Quinn Douglas and Vega Sproul delivered in the seventh and 27th minutes, respectively. This not only gave the Nighthawks momentum heading into the second half, but put pressure on the Chase attack.
“We didn’t expect that (being down 2-0),” Chase coach Greg Deshommes said. “We would like to congratulate First Flight for a very good game, they deserve it, they were better, and they won.”
The deal was sealed in the second half through the dominant play by senior striker Tommy Scott, who scored goals in the 44th and 59th minutes and was named MVP. However, Scott gave more credit to his teammates than himself.
“I didn’t do much, I just scored the goals. Everybody else gave me the assists,” Scott said. “This was a team win.”
The Nighthawks defense was smothering all game, breaking up any attempts made down field and rarely having the ball deep in their own territory. Sophomore Wilmer Andino recorded his first shutout starting in goal, as he stepped in for senior goalie Grayson Shier, who injured his collarbone in the east regional championship bout against Carrboro. This win was a testament to the players’ hard work exhibited every day in practice and being defensively sound.
“Complete euphoria – I achieved my goal,” senior Dylan Owens said when asked after the game to describe how he felt. “Four years this has been my goal, I have worked so hard all those summer practices when I’ve been just thinking about this.”
Chase ended the season with a 22-2 overall record, and First Flight obtained its first undefeated season ever, finishing with a 21-0-2 overall record. In his 12th year, coach Juan Ramirez finally achieved his career goal of winning a state championship, and he wasn’t going to let the opportunity of a state title get away from the team.
“There’s no reason to come into this game without the thought of winning,” Ramirez said. “(I feel) just phenomenal, delighted and so happy for the team. We played so well, just a great group of men.”
Senior Byrde Wells can be reached at wellsje1210@daretolearn.org.
