Hernando boys’ soccer among top-ranked teams in the nation

Photo: Action from the Hernando-Starkville boys’ soccer playoff game, won by the Tigers on their way to the 7A state championship victory over Northwest Rankin. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)

In the states where high school soccer is played during the winter, the MHSAA 7A state champions from Hernando High School this season ranked among the best in the nation.

The United Soccer Coaches has released its national rankings for 2023-24 season and the Tigers, which won the 7A title over last year’s 6A state champ Northwest Rankin 2-0, finished in a three-way tie for 10th in the nation. Hernando was tied with San Diego, California St. Augustine and Duncanville, Texas.

Hernando finished the season with a record of 20-3 and won a state title in its first appearance in a state championship match.

The Tigers also finished third in Region II of the rankings, that includes Mississippi. Northwest Rankin was fifth in Region II, followed by Long Beach in sixth and St. Andrew’s Episcopal of Ridgeland in 10th among Mississippi soccer schools.

Gulliver Prep of Miami, Florida finished as the number one team in the nation. The complete rankings are found on the United Soccer Coaches website.

Founded in 1941 and based in Kansas City, Mo., United Soccer Coaches is the world’s largest soccer coaches’ organization that serves members at every level of the game.