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Unlike the first match between the Bears and the Northside Eagles, which ended 6-0, Friday nights Region Finals came down to one goal and 80 minutes of stellar defense. In the 11th minute, a perfectly executed buildup and finish was all that was needed to secure a win. Hunter Henry combined with his brother Heath in the midfield who slotted a perfect ball to Freshman Austin Marfell,s run. Moving from right to left, Marfell hit a perfect shot with his left foot into the left upper 90 past extended Northside Keeper, Colin Thomas, who blocked every other shot (and there were plenty) but this loan goal. From that point, HoCo's stellar defensive play took over the game and denied numerous attacks from the Eagles. Keeper Declan Furlough appeared bored at times, but made an outstanding "punch-out" play near the 18 yard box line that stopped a potential Northside goal, in the first half. The last 10 minutes were tense and a bit hectic for the Bears defense. Northside's #10, Alex Gelter gave his Eagles an opportunity to tie the match late in the game with a perfectly placed free kick that found the head of his teammate inside the 18 yard box. But, the header went wide and the Bears closed out the game with possession and alert play. Coach Stephen Edwards, in his first year at the helm, was elated (relieved) after the game as were his players who decided the remaining Gatorade in the cooler was better served over Coach's head! The victory places the Bears as #1 Seed for Region 1 in the State Playoffs and marks their 11th Region TItle since 2003.
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