Three South Florida teams pulled off come-from-behind victories in the state semifinals and secured spots in the state championship games at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium in DeLand. American Heritage-Delray’s boys defeated two-time defending champion Gulliver Prep 3-2 and will play Lake Highland Prep for the Class 3A title. Somerset Academy-Canyons girls overcame South Walton 5-1 for their first state championship appearance and will face Lake Highland Prep. Benjamin girls defeated Lakeland Christian with five minutes remaining in double overtime to advance to the Class 2A final against Jacksonville Episcopal.
American Heritage-Delray’s victory over Gulliver Prep was a stunning upset, with senior forward Jake Stansbury scoring early and late to secure the win. Somerset Academy-Canyons girls staged a remarkable second-half comeback, with Alexia Hansen scoring a second-half hat trick to secure their spot in the final. Benjamin’s girls also had to rally from behind in extra time to secure their place in the final.
Cardinal Gibbons was blanked 4-0 by Lake Highland Prep in the 3A girls semifinal, while Highlands Christian dropped a 3-0 decision to top-seeded Stuart Pine School in the 1A boys semifinal. The South Florida HEAT girls were routed 6-0 by St. John’s Country Day in their first state final four appearance.
The state championship games promise to be thrilling matchups, with American Heritage-Delray, Somerset Academy-Canyons girls, and Benjamin’s girls all vying for titles against tough opponents. These teams have shown resilience and determination in their journey to the finals and are poised for exciting showdowns this weekend.
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