McIntosh star Adam Sheikali planned on taking a nap on the bus ride home to Peachtree City. Good luck with that.
“We’re going to be loud,” said McIntosh coach Bunky Colvin. “We’re going to celebrate.”
The Chiefs have plenty to celebrate.
McIntosh capped an undefeated season with a convincing 8-1 win over Houston County, capturing its second straight AAAAA championship Friday at Kennesaw State. Didrick Cooper-Seip had a hat trick, and Sheikali scored twice and controlled the midfield, leading the Chiefs (22-0) to their 45th straight win. McIntosh finished the regular season ranked No. 1 in the nation by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.
The Chiefs jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first half, before Houston County star Steven Moore scored on a free kick with eight minutes to go before intermission. But Cooper-Seip scored two goals early in the second half, and Justin Magee and Luke Mohney tacked on late goals for the Chiefs. Their eighth goal came on an own goal with less than a minute to go.
“We were really, really hungry, but we stayed calm with our possession,” said Colvin. “Our shape was good and we possessed it around probably as good as any team I’ve ever had.”
Houston County coach Jason Kirk agreed. "They're the best I've seen," said Kirk.
The Chiefs were on the attack from the opening whistle, pressuring Houston County (18-3) from all sides and angles. Sheikali’s goals came off a beautiful give-and-go with Ian Berryman and a header off a long, spot-on cross from Daichi Uki.
Cooper-Seip’s goals were more of the solo route, but equally as pretty. The junior striker beat two defenders in the top corner of the box then crossed up Houston County Bryce Dawson to put the Chiefs up 1-0 15 minutes into the game. Cooper-Seip’s goals in the second half also came off of strong individual plays in the box. But this was unquestionably a team victory.
“A lot of us have played together since we were kids,” said Sheikali. “In drills, we don’t even look at each other when we’re passing it around.”
Houston County also lost to McIntosh in last season’s AAAAA title game. Dawson made multiple clutch saves in the first half, keeping the Bears in the game. But eventually the flood gates opened. The Bears, who started only two seniors, were over-matched.
“Very proud of our guys, hanging in there and playing well in the first half,” said Kirk.
The McIntosh girls also won the state championship with a win over Starr’s Mill. Colvin was looking forward to the bus ride home to celebrate with the girls in addition to his team.
“We’re going to celebrate something that our principal always talks about,” said Colvin. “She always talks about McIntosh High School striving for excellence in everything we do. So we’re going to celebrate that as a group.”
