Centennial's boys soccer team won its second consecutive Class 3A state soccer championship yesterday by beating Whitman, 1-0, at Old Mill High. It was the Eagles' fifth overall state title, and the win extended their unbeaten streak to 32 games.
"This was an extremely rewarding one because no one thought we'd be here," Eagles coach Bill Stara said.
The game was much tougher for Centennial than the Eagles' earlier 1-0 victory over Whitman this season.
"Whitman went with five middies today and seemed a much more difficult team this time around," Centennial's Rehan Gill said.
Gill, a senior, played striker most of the season but moved to midfield for most of the game against Whitman.
With 15 minutes Centennial went into a defensive mode and Stara moved the dependable Gill back to stopper.
Centennial gained the advantage in the early going and in the 29th minute fullback Warren Grace scored the game's only goal.