State championship soccer returns after a year’s absence, and teams will meet Thursday and Friday at Duluth, McEachern, Mercer and Savannah Memorial Stadium to determine eight state champions.
Programs with postseason prowess are present in each of the eight matches.
In the state’s highest class, Lambert returns for a shot at its fourth state championship and third in a row. Lambert’s opponent, South Forsyth, never has won a state title. Including ties, Dalton has five state titles, including 2019′s 6A championship, and it returns for a shot at a sixth title. Johns Creek will attempt to upset the sitting champions and capture its first title.
McIntosh won state titles in 2017 and 2019, missing out in 2018 when it lost to Johnson-Gainesville 1-0. McIntosh is back for a repeat championship and a chance for the program’s eighth title. Its opponent: none other than Johnson-Gainesville.
In Class 4A, Southeast Whitfield is trying for its second title and first since 2017, while East Hall just wants to break through and finish on top. East Hall beat Islands 1-0 to earn a trip to the championship, and Southeast Whitfield beat Jefferson 4-1 in its semifinal game.
Westminster is back for its chance at a fourth consecutive 3A championship, and its 15th overall title, while its opponent, Coahulla Creek, is trying for its first. In Class 2A, two former 3A powers – Pace Academy and Lovett – will play the title. Lovett has seven championships, but hasn’t won a title since 2003. Pace has one title, the last in 2006.
Georgia Military is back to defend its 2019 championship in Class A Public against ACE Charter, which is trying for the program’s first title. In Class A Private, Atlanta International is hoping for its second title and first since 2015, and Wesleyan will look to defend 2019′s championship for the program’s second state title (2016 in 2A).
State Championship schedule
Class 7A State Championship (Friday at Duluth, 8 p.m.)
R6 #3 Lambert vs. R6 #4 South Forsyth
Class 6A State Championship (Friday at McEachern, 8 p.m.)
R5 #1 Dalton vs. R7 #1 Johns Creek
Class 5A State Championship (Thursday at McEachern, 8 p.m.)
R8 #1 Johnson-Gainesville vs. R2 #2 McIntosh
Class 4A State Championship (Thursday at Duluth, 8 p.m.)
R8 #1 East Hall vs. R7 #1 Southeast Whitfield
Class 3A State Championship (Thursday at Mercer, 8 p.m.)
R5 #1 Westminster vs. R6 #1 Coahulla Creek
Class 2A State Championship (Thursday at Savannah Memorial Stadium, 8 p.m.)
R6 #2 Lovett vs. R6 #1 Pace Academy
Class A Public State Championship (Friday at Mercer, 8 p.m.)
R7 #2 Georgia Military vs. R7 #1 ACE Charter
Class A Private State Championship (Friday at Savannah Memorial Stadium, 8 p.m.)
R5 #1 Atlanta International vs. R5 #2 Wesleyan
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