How the Savannah Arts boys soccer team won the program's first state title

The Savannah Arts boys soccer team was set to play in the first state final in program history on Wednesday — matching up with a familiar foe in region rival Pierce County, a team they had already beaten twice this season, without allowing a goal. One might think that Panther Coach Ben Parker would be full of confidence heading into the title game at St. Pius X High School in Atlanta, but that was not the case.

"Absolutely, I was worried about playing Pierce County for that third time," said Parker, in his sixth season leading the program. "I woke up at 3 in the morning thinking about every old sports adage that it's so hard to beat a good team three times. " Rest assured, Parker was set to catch up on his rest after he watched his Panther squad shut down Pierce County once again — as Savannah Arts beat the Bears 2-0 to take home the GHSA Class 2A State crown, the first state title in program history.

"It feels amazing," Parker said. "It makes all the hard work, the hours on the field, the time away from family — it makes it all feel like it's worth it. The guys put everything they had into it, and that's what it's all about — it's about the kids.

This team just refuses to lose, this team plays incredibly hard for each other and it starts in the back with our defense. " The Panther offense got off to a great start itself and provided some breathing room early on. Junior forward Caden Powell, who was recently named the Region 3-2A Offensive Player of the Year, scored first on a play that he and his teammates won't soon forget.