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For many soccer players, the phrase “fútbol is life” isn’t just a catchy line from a television show, it’s a way of living. That sentiment rings especially true for Williston junior Yandel Mujica, who has been chasing a soccer ball for as long as he can remember.

It has been a banner season for the Bell High School boys soccer program, which wrapped up the regular season this week with a 9-3 record and an undefeated run through district play.

The Bulldogs’ strong performance has positioned them as a regional championship contender, a goal the team set long before the first match of the season.

Nathan Jennings and his Hawthorne teammates didn’t need game consoles or gadgets on their Christmas lists this year. Instead, the Hornets leaned on a different kind of list heading into the Holiday season, one that steered them to their third state championship in four seasons.

“We all left really bad when we didn’t win it last year for that group of seniors, so we all made lists of what was going to happen in 2025, and it made for the most intense offseason I’ve ever been a part of,” junior athlete Nathan Jennings said.

For three straight seasons, the Oak Hall football team saw its year end in the first round of the playoffs. Entering 2025, the Eagles adopted a new mindset, one built on working harder, pushing further and finally breaking through to the championship they believed they could win.

On Saturday, that mission became reality. With a 27–10 victory over Tampa Cambridge Christian, Oak Hall secured its first state championship in program history, validating months of offseason preparation.

For Hawthorne High School, success has become the expectation. After reaching the state championship game in each of the last three seasons, the Hornets entered 2025 focused on another deep postseason run. Their opening-round blowout of Branford showed they’re well on their way.

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