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By Cassidy O’Neil, Online Editor
First Flight is taking on a familiar opponent in this NCHSAA 2A Men’s Soccer State Championship: No. 1-ranked Newton-Conover High School.
The last time the Nighthawks (who are ranked second in this year’s tournament) faced the Red Devils was in 2014. Tears were shed by First Flight players and fans as the game ended with a 2-0 Newton-Conover victory.
The Nighthawks will take the field Saturday at 2:05 p.m. at N.C. State University’s Dail Soccer Field/Track Complex. The game is expected to be close, as both teams enter with impressive records. The Nighthawks are 21-1, while the Red Devils are 26-0-2.
Saturday’s game will be the Nighthawks’ fourth try at a state championship and a chance to defend last year’s state championship after a 4-0 victory against Chase High School.
“Being a senior and ending on the high note of winning a state championship would definitely feel different than it did as a junior,” senior Vega Sproul said. “I feel like I have more pride this season going into every game.”
This year’s seniors are making their third trip to the title game.
“I’m a little more anxious this year, just because it’s my last high school soccer game ever,” Sproul said. “In the end it’s nothing different and we’re going into it the same way we have every other game.”
The players will not be the only ones making the three-plus-hour trek to Raleigh this weekend. Many First Flight fans and family will also make the drive.
“I’m going to support my friends on the team,” junior Stanton Dodson said. “I’m packing my mom’s minivan with a bunch of friends and heading up there”
The fans echo the excitement that the players have been displaying for the entire season.
“I’m excited,” senior Quinn Douglas said. “We lost a ton of seniors this year and we proved ourselves on how well we can be leaders. A lot of guys stepped up and filled their roles. It’s been a fun season and hopefully we can finish with a win.”
Junior Cassidy O’Neil can be reached at o’[email protected].
