Even O'Kelley and Kicheal McGrew embrace after winning the state title. The soccer team made a comeback with three goals in the second half. Photo by Grant parent, Buck O'Kelley.

“I don’t think you can say in the paper what our coaches said to us at half-time,” senior and captain, Etienne Galbreath said, “We knew we had a lot of work to do to come out on top.” Whatever it was that lit a fire under them worked, as senior Roy Bourgazas scored after less then two minutes into the second half, similar to his game winning goal against Jesuit.

When Westview scored in the first half, the team was looking down the barrel of a repeat. “I told myself, not again,” said Bourgazas, “When they scored I knew I had to score, and when I did I knew we could do it.” Last year the men’s soccer team made it to the same game, just came out with a different result. With eight returnees who know the heartbreak that comes with losing the championship, winning was the only option.

After solely losing to Westview in their pre-season, the Generals were looking at their greatest challenge. “We have to watch out for Erik Hurtado (of Westview),” senior and captain, Patrick Bauer said before the game. Hurtado was shut down by Grant’s defense led by goalie, senior Evan O’Kelley. Although Westview out shot Grant 11-4 in the first half, the second half was completely controlled by the Generals.

“We have been working a full season to get this,” senior Stephen Pies said. “To have a second chance is great.” Pies scored the game-winning goal with twelve minutes left. Taking back-to-back-to-back PIL championships this year was the beginning of the accomplishments of the team. Led by a band of seniors, the experience and skill that are necessary to win a championship was in full supply.

The most noticeable attribute about this squad of young men is their ability to play as a team. There is no one person that won this championship, but rather a roster of 22 who fought everyday for three months for it. Within their five-game play-off run, eight different team members scored goals. Their passing and possession is unmatched. “I am so proud of the team, and everyone and everything they put into it,” O’Kelley said.

There are very few words that can describe the excitement of the crowd and the pride they have for the team. Not only was the student section overwhelmed by blue, but the parents were just as much a part of the game. The parents have been represented at every game, and know just as much as anyone how much these boys deserved a state championship. “The whole community came behind us, we really love and appreciate our fans,” said Bauer.

With the Generals proving their worthiness and superiority, talk of turf comes back into play. “State champions deserve turf,” Galbreath said. Proponents of the new fi eld have given new evidence that Grant soccer is a force to be reckoned with, and better facilities are necessary.

“After the Basketball team won state last year, they were given a new court; it’s only fair we are recognized with the same admiration,” said O’Kelley. The last 15 minutes of the game produced so much raw emotion from everyone present. As Westview became desperate, and Grant realized how close they were to reaching their goal, the game reached its climax. Sophomore Alex Arrington sealed off the game with the Generals' third goal, and the crowd erupted, as the players knew they had done it. With the final whistle, the boys jumped into each other’s arms, and could finally call themselves the best in state. The crowd rushed the field after the trophy presentation, and congratulated their team for proving that greatness does come from NEP. The team’s season could not have ended on a better note. The seniors' legacy will live on as the leaders who brought Grant their first state championship. Congratulations to the men of the 2008 Grant varsity soccer team, whose dedication and success is unmatched.