Championship weekend lived up to the hype and the state’s first season with seven classifications resulted in historically significant results. Four of the seven state champs were first-time winners, showcasing years of new programs on the rise timed up with the reclassification to create a perfect storm.
In Class 7A, Meadowcreek scored a 2-0 shutout over Pebblebrook to clinch the crown. A crowd of more than 4,000 fans packed McEachern to watch the 7A finals and the Mustangs used their speed to gain the upper hand. Maverick Lobo finished with both goals, scoring in each of the halves.
Class 6A saw Chattahoochee win its first state title since 2011 when the program won its first championship in Class 4A. The Cougars scored a 2-0 win over Gainesville and handed the Red Elephants their only regulation loss of the season. Nicholas Troyer found the net on a header and teammate Ryan Kapper scored to make it 2-0 with 17:13 left.
McIntosh held off Clarkston 2-1 in the Class 5A to win its sixth all-time state title and first since going back-to-back in 2014. Class 4A state champion Southeast Whitfield added another first-time champion by holding off Druid Hills 3-2 in the final.
Westminster outscored Pace Academy 2-1 in the Class 3A final and won the program’s first state title since 2013, and 12th all-time state title.
Both Class 2A and Class A added first-time state champs as Benedictine held off Coosa 4-1 in 2A and Whitefield Academy defeated Walker 2-1.
Benedictine’s state title was heavy with storylines after the team was forced to forfeit seven matches for using an ineligible reserve goalkeeper. As a result, the Cadets had to wear a No. 3 seed in the playoffs and take the title with five consecutive road victories. Eric Chavez gave Coosa a 1-0 lead before the Cadets answered with four straight goals.
