A Title Earned in Overtime
Hardeeville High School, in just its second year of existence, captured the Class A boys soccer state championship, defeating longtime rival Dixie 3-2 in a match that will be remembered for its late drama and shifting momentum.
The final swung back and forth, with Dixie taking a 2-1 lead early in the second half before Hardeeville equalized. Fabian Ramirez converted a penalty kick to level the score, and Efrain Tinoco added the equalizer before the game entered overtime.
The decisive moment arrived in the second overtime when freshman Caden Mitchell slipped past the defense and fired the game‑winning goal, sealing a 3-2 victory and avenging last year's final loss to Dixie.
Coach Misael Garzon, in his first season at the school, praised his team's resilience and their hunger for redemption, emphasizing that the win was a direct response to the previous year's defeat.
Hardeeville finished the campaign with an impressive 18 wins, highlighted by a nine‑match winning streak that underscored the squad's growing cohesion. The Hurricanes recorded 22 shots, 11 on target, throughout the final, reflecting their attacking intent.
Several players earned All‑State honors, including Mitchell, Ramirez, Tinoco and Jayden Cruz, cementing the team's impact beyond the scoreboard and signaling a promising future for the program.