Center Hill secured its second-ever boys soccer state championship Saturday with a 1-0 victory over George County in the MHSAA 6A championship match, delivering the program’s first title under coach David Hoggatt and its third straight appearance in the 6A finals.
Erick Duenas scored the lone goal six minutes into the match, continuing a dominant postseason in which he found the net in every playoff game.
“He’s been the man for us,” Hoggatt said. “That makes six goals in the playoffs. He’s been a man all postseason.”
Hoggatt said the Mustangs made no major tactical changes despite shifting winds between halves. “We just had to be aware of how the ball would play,” he said. “Tactically, there wasn’t a whole lot of change.”
Senior goalkeeper Adan Anewalt delivered another clean sheet, completing an undefeated defensive run through the playoffs.
“He’s been rock solid,” Hoggatt said. “That back line deserves a lot of credit.”
Anewalt said this championship felt different from the team’s previous finals trips. “I had a lot more confidence coming in,” he said. “If you never go down, you can’t lose.”
Duenas said he anticipated the scoring chance before finishing. “I saw the bad touch coming, and the keeper shifted left,” he said. “It feels great to win state.”
Hoggatt called the moment a dream realized. “We’ve been here the past two years,” he said. “Finally getting the result we wanted feels amazing.”
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
