By Jacob Balatico
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On Saturday, Feb. 7 after two victories against Moanalua and Kalaheo resulting in final scores of 2-0 and 1-0 respectively and an 11-1 season, the MHS varsity boys soccer team faced off against Kalani High School in the finals for the Oahu Interscholastic Association (OIA) championship. With a final score of 1-0, the game was a Trojan victory.
“It’s special to me and this team because we completed one of our many goals this season so winning the title felt really good,” said number two Senior Jeron Cunningham.
Before their final game, the team stepped up their regular routine in an effort to prepare themselves as much as possible. Cunningham said, “We brought up the intensity level of trainings a little more.” Player number 10 Senior Marc Jordan Matas added, “We trained by doing a lot of conditioning, going over our mistakes in our previous games. We just wanted to be a better team everyday.”
Despite lots of practice, the Trojans ran into complications. “Our obstacles were many times, ourselves,” said Head Coach Steven McGehee. Matas added, “There were a lot of obstacles. At one point, half our team was sick or a lot were out with injuries.” McGehee said, “That being said, the boys never stop playing hard. They are always trying to execute and ultimately win the games to win the league.”
With their thorough preparation, the Trojans pulled through and executed well and are grateful to those who supported them along the way. “Thanks goes to the parents who help their sons get ready,” said McGehee. Cunningham added, “I would like to thank God, my family and all of our supporters who came all the way to Kaneohe to cheer us on, it helped us a lot.”
The Trojans have gone on to snag the state championship as well in their game against Kalani on Feb. 28 after winning with a score of 1-0.