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By Brian O’Shea, Plateau Daily News
Highlands varsity boys soccer team won the Smoky Mountain 1A Conference trophy after finishing the season with an 11-1-2 conference record and 11-7-2 overall.
Highlands Isaiah Vilardo looks to get past BREC William Russell.
Murphy took second place with a 10-3-1 conference record.
The Highlanders tied Swain in mid-October and Highlands Coach Caleb Brown said that it was important not to lose any more games if they wanted to take the championship.
Highlands Bryan Jarquin picks off a BREC pass.
Highlands battled 5th place Blue Ridge Early College the following week and won back to back victories. During the first game against the Bobcats the score was tied until Highlands Blaine Dendy put one in the back of the net with 45 seconds left on the clock, giving the Highlanders the win at home, 3-2.
Highlands Finneaus Garner kicks the ball out of Highlander territory against Uwharrie at home in the first round of the NCHSAA state tournament.
Highlands also celebrated Senior Night for their sole senior Finneaus Garner. Garner also kicked off the game by playing the national anthem on guitar.
Highlands Finneaus Garner plays the national anthem to kick off Senior Night against Blue Ridge on Oct. 24.
A couple days later Highlands hit the road and took on BREC on their home turf and won 1-0.
BREC Braulio Iglecias Loma works his way to Highlands’ goal on Oct. 24.
BREC Isaiah Palestino won BREC Athlete of the Week from 10/28-11/1 for scoring 3 goals and 1 assist.
BREC Isaiah Palestino on a fast break against Highlands on the road.
In addition to winning the conference championship, several Highlanders earned all-conference recognition including Garner and Aniah McKim. Coach Brown earned Coach of the Year.
Highlands Blaine Dendy under pressure from BREC Braulio Iglecias Loma.
Honorable mentions include Chase Kenter, Isaiah Vilardo, Bryan Jarquin, and Connor Hughes.
BREC Alex Martinez kicks the ball up to the Bobcat’s offense against Highlands on the road.
Highlands qualified for the 2024 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championship but lost in the first round at home to Uwharrie Charter 4-1.
Highlands Connor Hughes puts pressure on Miguel Juan-Julian.
BREC Jeysson Soriano Diaz takes a shot on goal against Highlands.
Highlands Stephen Pierson controls the ball before kicking it up the field against BREC.
BREC Markus Alcantar heads the ball out of the hotzone against Highlands.
Highlands Isaiah Vilardo works to maintain control against BREC,
BREC Dakota Kinsey inbounds the ball against Highlands.
Highlands Rowen Carnes prepares to take a shot on BREC’s goal.
BREC William Russell keeps the ball in play against Highlands.
BREC Braulio Iglecias Loma hopes to kick the ball up the field before Highlands Jesus Mendoza can score a header.
Highlands Chase Kenter kicks the ball coast to coast against BREC.
BREC Jeysson Soriano Diaz cuts inside trying to lose Highlands Conner Hughes.