Everything was perfectly in place for First Flight’s men’s soccer team this year: an undefeated record, sweeping the East Regional playoff bracket, and a chance to redeem last year’s loss at states with another trip to Raleigh.

But the final and main goal, a state championship, remained just out of reach.

In a hard fought game, First Flight simply could not get the ball in the goal, losing 2-0 to Newton-Conover.

First Flight and Newton-Conover both had ample opportunities to score, however the Red Devils were the ones who took advantage of them.

The game’s MVP Francisco Tapia was the first to put the Red Devils on the board, rocketing a shot into the goal from outside the box.

The Red Devils would strike again in the 51st minute, off of Alan Espriella’s free kick which was headed in by Greyson Frye, who also headed in the winning goal in the West Regional Finals.

Although it was a tough loss, the Nighthawks held there own.

“Even through all the ups and downs that happened through the game, we were very resilient,” coach Juan Ramirez said.

Newton-Conover was the first team in two years to shut out First Flight since Edenton in the 2012 season, and the Red Devils strategy shunted the Nighthawk attack.

“After Newton scored their first goal, they packed six defenders in the back, limiting scoring opportunities ,” senior Austin Banks said.

Despite losing in the state final, the Nighthawks accomplished nearly all their season goals.

The Nighthawks won against notable top ranked Virginia private schools, 4A Greenville Rose and Carrboro, which was ranked 29th in the state when they met in the regional final.

“The fact that we made it to states back to back years while beating Carrboro both years for the opportunity to go to states was a huge accomplishment,” senior Jay Cueva said.

Looking towards next season, the Nighthawks will be losing seniors Jay Cueva, Ricky Sanchez, Austin Banks and Seth Pugh.

Cueva and Sanchez had a combined 47 goals on the season, while Banks and Pugh held down the Nighthawks defense.

“The seniors have done a great job of teaching the young players about leadership,” Ramirez said. “We have a great future ahead; the seniors have shown the younger players the way.”

Now since the offseason has begun, players are already preparing for next year.

“We have specific workouts that the returners will do to be ready,” Ramirez said. “I encourage players to participate in club play as well, to stay game ready and get as many touches on the ball as possible.”

First Flight soccer has made a name for themselves over the past two years.

Despite all the hard work and effort the team has put in, the experience has been enjoyable for everyone in the program.

“I can’t put into words how much I enjoy coaching this team,” Ramirez said. “This team is full of great young men who are a part of my life.”