Eastside High School clinches seventh state title in epic overtime
The championship match unfolded under a cloud of uncertainty, as a combination of inclement weather and a packed schedule pushed the kickoff back several hours. What was supposed to be a routine evening contest stretched into the early hours of the morning, with the final whistle finally blowing at 1:39 a.m.
Eastside drew first blood just 16 minutes into regulation, when a swift counterattack caught Chapin off guard and put the ball past the keeper. The lead held for a time, but Chapin answered before the half‑hour mark, leveling the score and forcing the contest into a grueling sequence of overtime periods.
As the game wore on, both squads battled fatigue, cramps and a litany of minor injuries. In a last‑minute show of team spirit, several Eastside players, including goalkeeper Brandon Jaramillo, dyed their hair gray, a visual cue that the end was near. Jaramillo’s teammates and family kept him mentally sharp, urging him to stay focused through each extra frame.
The deadlock persisted until the penalty shoot‑out, where Jaramillo’s outstretched glove denied a decisive strike from Chapin, preserving the tie and handing Eastside the championship. The victory marked the team’s seventh state crown, a milestone that underscores the program’s resilience, especially after its last title in 2022 when it captured the Class 4A crown.
Coach and players alike celebrated a triumph that will be remembered not only for its dramatic finish but also for the camaraderie that saw the squad through crunch time. With the trophy secured, Eastside looks ahead to the next season, confident that the experience gained in this marathon will fuel future successes.