The Hardeeville High School boys' soccer team captured its first-ever SC High School League Class A state championship, edging Dixie High School 3-2 in a dramatic overtime finish.
A Long‑Awaited Triumph
Head Coach Misael Garzon lauded the squad's relentless perseverance, noting that the victory was the culmination of a season built on hard work and unity.
The match opened with Fabian Ramirez converting a penalty kick to put the Hurricanes ahead, but Dixie answered to level the score. In the second half, Efrain Tinoco equalized at 2-2, his effort set up by Kevin Lopez's precise assist.
Eight minutes into overtime, Caden Mitchell struck the decisive goal, sealing a 3-2 win that capped a nine‑match winning streak and a 9‑1 region record.
The championship also marked redemption, as the team had fallen to Dixie in last year's title game by a 2‑1 margin, and it follows their recent Lower State Championship victory over Charleston Math & Science.