IRMO, SC – As the time closed in on midnight on Friday evening with the North Augusta High School varsity boys' soccer team trailing by a goal, the Jackets' left everything on the pitch, placing several shots on goal in the closing minutes of a hard-fought matchup with Eastside High School in the Class AAAA state championship.
The Eagles (20-2-1), competing in their fourth consecutive state soccer championship, may have prevailed on the scoreboard, but the Jackets (20-3-1) left the field of competition knowing they had given everything they possibly could in a season that saw the team capture the school's first-ever Lower State soccer state championship.
Jackets' Head Coach Michael Vaughan, in just his second season at the helm, said he reminded his team that while they were understandably hurting at the moment, there was much to be proud of when reflecting upon the season as a whole.
"I told them I was so very proud of them and that this year was so much more than that trophy," stated Coach Vaughan. "It was the friendships and the bonding and it was everything that it took to get here. It was always about soccer and I think it has to be to be able to get to this game. They were brave for each other. It was a complete team effort and we left it all on the field. They can hold their heads up high. They're hurting right now, but I am very proud of them."
The first half ended in a scoreless stalemate as both teams tested the other's defense with only sporadic shots on goal. The Eagles began to apply pressure forward as the second half of play began and, with just under five minutes, Jack Redmond's shot found its way to the net to give Eastside the advantage.
"I don't think we really made a mistake on that play," commented Vaughan. "We certainly had our opportunities and if we played again tomorrow I think it would be a different result. It was that close."
North Augusta went on the attack following the Eastside goal, ramping up its own pressure after one of the Eagles' players was sent off with a red card, leaving Eastside a player down for the final thirty minutes of the second half. The Eagles then moved to a more conservative defensive alignment and sent the ball back deep into the Jackets' territory at every opportunity.
"They went a little bit longer and a little bit deeper and I don't blame them," stated Vaughan. "It was smart tactics."
Looking ahead to next season, Coach Vaughan is confident his team will be back with the same mindset and intensity to make another strong run at a state championship.
"We've got some kids in the pipeline that are extremely talented," commented Vaughan. "I don't for a second think that we cannot duplicate what we did this year, I really don't. We have a lot of talented players and as long as we continue to work and believe in each other I told them I expect to be back here next year and I'm not doubting that one bit."
Congratulations to the Jackets on an outstanding season!
2021-22 NORTH AUGUSTA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' VARSITY SOCCER
HEAD COACH - Michael Vaughan
- NAME POS. YEAR
00 Alan Rodriguez GK Sophomore
01 Tyler Hughes GK Senior
02 Jack Stevens MF Sophomore
03 Andrew DeGennaro MF, F Freshman
04 Gerson Escalante MF, F Senior
05 Christian Pulido MF Freshman
06 Ben Holton F, MF Senior
07 Erick Bautista MF, D Senior
08 Bryson Fuss D Senior
09 Elijah Owens MF, F Senior
10 Kevin Reyes MF Senior
11 Henry Martinez MF, F Sophomore
12 Jhair Bautista MF Junior
13 Nolan Sweat D Sophomore
14 Gonzalo Pulido MF Junior
15 Kevin Avila F, MF Sophomore
16 Samuel Trochez MF, D Junior
18 Beck Peppenger D Freshman
19 Harrison Halloway F, MF Junior
20 Blake Miller MF, D Senior
21 Alex Carrillo F, MF Junior
22 Will Hughes D, MF Freshman
23 Davis Hammond D Junior
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LINK TO DISTRICT PRESS RELEASE: 2022 PR NAHS BOYS SOCCER TITLE GAME