The Bay State Conference has had a boys soccer team make it to the state final every year since 2018.
It was Natick’s turn to do so this season and the Redhawks made sure they didn’t leave empty-handed.
Natick captured its first Division 1 state title in program history with a thrilling 3-2 victory over St. John’s Prep. All-American Luke Dougherty spearheaded the Redhawks all season and Cole Boggis turned in a memorable performance in the state final by registering three points, including netting the game-winning goal with eight minutes to play.
In Division 2, Sharon ended Oliver Ames’ reign and its quest for a four-peat with a monumental second-round upset in penalty kicks while West Springfield, which didn’t concede a single goal all tournament, took the Tigers’ spot on the throne with a terrific postseason run as a No. 11 seed.
The Terriers captured the crown by shutting out a strong Duxbury squad, which made its first state final appearance since 1999, while Dartmouth also had an eye-catching postseason with the electric play of Landon Raposa leading the Indians to the state semifinals.
Norwell ended the season how it started with a zero in the loss column. But this time, the conclusion of the campaign came with a Division 3 state title for the Clippers after they fell in the title bout in 2024.
Norwell, which finished a pristine 23-0-1, won its third state title since 2021, as Bret Amorosino’s 29th goal of the season was the difference in a 1-0 win over Greater New Bedford Voke, which was a newcomer to the state championship game.
Dan Kimball’s Rockland team reached the Division 4 state final for the first time in 40 years, but the Bulldogs ran into Bromfield, which added to its state record by claiming crown No. 14.
Boston International was on the other end of that spectrum as the Lions won the Division 5 state final for the first time. Making the achievement even more historic was that it was the first boys soccer state title for a Boston school.
Sylberto Brevil and Henrich Saint did the scoring for Boston International in a 2-0 victory in the final against Hopedale, while Jeffrey Louis’ penalty-kick stop with the game still hanging in the balance will live on forever.
On the girls side, Natick gave the town double the reason to celebrate. The Redhawks got their hands on the Division 1 state championship trophy for the third time in five years – each time it has come in an odd year – as senior captains Nicole Proia and Abby McCauley both netted two goals in the final against Franklin.
It what became a trend this fall, Duxbury got redemption by winning it all in Division 2 after falling in the state final the season prior. The Dragons, who won their first state title since 2008 with a 3-1 victory over Longmeadow, avenged last year’s state final loss to Masconomet by defeating the Chieftains in the state semifinals behind two goals from Annabel Manganello.
Duxbury, like it did in its matchup with Masconomet, overcame an early deficit against Longmeadow with goals from Lilah MacQuarrie, Lily Ladieu and Olivia Coperine proving to be the difference.
In Division 3, it’s not an exaggeration to say it might be the start of a dynasty for Medfield. The Warriors put together one of the most dominant seasons in state history by outscoring their opponents, 123-16, including by a 29-2 margin in the tournament.
It all culminated in Medfield getting revenge on Nipmuc, which took down Medfield in the 2024 final, with a 1-0 victory to claim the state title. Devon Weafer scored in every tournament game for the Warriors, while the brilliance of All-American Sidney Heavey was continuously on display.
Speaking of dynasties, Sutton is in the middle of one after winning its fifth straight state title – the last three have come in Division 4 – thanks to a last-second goal by Ava Magnuson to secure a 1-0 victory over Littleton.
Just like Duxbury and Medfield, Hull made it back to the state final after living with the heartbreak of losing on that stage for a year and this time came away victorious.
Brianna Ramos, who arguably scored the goal of the tournament in the state semifinals when she successfully took on seven Hopedale defenders, and Libby Harper powered the Pirates to their first state title in program history.
