Following Saturday’s 3-0 shutout against Orlando Bishop Moore in the Class 2A Regional semifinal, the boys’ soccer team has begun to entertain thoughts of a state championship. Today will be crucial in that quest as the boys prepare to take on The Villages Charter for the regional championship at home tonight at 7.

“I feel like we are as ready as we will ever be,” senior Nick Burgess said. “If we keep playing the way we have been playing in these last few games and keep up the same energy and intensity, then we should be fine going into this game.”

Burgess added that all the boys have been training a lot and working hard as they share the same goal of wanting to bring the state title back to the West Shore nation for the first time since 2012.

“This year is our best shot for winning the state title,” junior Brandon Benitez said. “We started the season off rough but now we are playing so well and Coach Bob [Robidoux] says we should beat any team out there if we just stay relaxed and keep possession. The state title is so close, I’m definitely more excited then I am nervous going into this game tonight against The Villages.”

Benitez said all the guys hang out with each other outside of school and soccer as well as during which brings all of them closer, creating a lot of chemistry on the team to allow them to play well together as a whole.

Due to Florida High School Athletics Association regulations, tickets for tonight’s game will cost $7.

By Fallon Klenotich