Bearcats (11-2-1) dominate Center Hill 3-1 in Madison, MS winning the 5A State Soccer Championship. Long Beach dominated the match allowing Center Hill few opportunities. Coach Andee Wilburn is proud of the team’s commitment and overall success. Wilburn stated “the championship is a great achievement for our seniors who have competed four years for this title.”
Long Beach seniors: Aidan Hines, Carlos Torres, Justin Rolison and Nathaniel Mink agree there is great talent on the team and every match is a team effort. Hines quickly pointed out "not many people can say they've been to the state title game all four years of high school and to finally win it all our senior year feels amazing!"
Long Beach started strong with senior Carlos Torres scoring early and Ethan Myers scoring later in the first half. Torres scored another goal late in the second half to secure the victory. Torres shared "man for four years all we have done is put hard work into this soccer program. It feels good to end my high school career as state champs."
Center Hill’s dependence on the long pass was unsuccessful. Most Attempts were either shut down by Long Beach’s defenders or stopped short at midfield. Keeper Justin Rolison’s solid performance kept the Mustangs scoreless until the last few minutes of the match. Rolison said "I thought the team played great. To go there four years in a row and come home with the trophy really caps off our senior year. Watch out next year, the boys are coming back for sure."
Nathaniel Mink's statement sums up this championship team's attitude.
"It has been too long for this program not to have a state championship. For us to be the team that brings it back is an amazing honor. We weren't just playing for us. We were playing for every player who has gone through the program."
Bearcats finished strong passing the ball at midfield while fans counted down to victory.
