Hawks win first title in nine years

Hawks win first title in nine years

With a team featuring just four seniors, second-seeded Holley won the seventh Section Five boy's soccer title in school history with a goal in the first overtime by Jesus Mendoza to defeat top-seeded Perry 1-0 before losing to Wheatland-Chili 2-1 for the third time this season in the Class C state qualifier in a sudden death shootout.

Joel Garcia-Barczak fed Mendoza for the game-winner in the 104th minute of play in the sectional championship game. The Hawks won six titles in the 1990's, but the championship was their first since 1997. Holley defeated Letchworth and East Rochester both by 2-1 scores to advance to the championship game.

In the qualifier, held in a steady rain at PAETEC Park, Mendoza gave the Hawks a 1-0 lead in the opening minute of the second half with a high header the Wildcats goalkeeper deflected off the crossbar before it went in.

Wheatland-Chili's Brandon Knickerbocker tied the score in the 60th minute off a goalmouth scramble leading to overtime.

With 4:10 remaining in the second overtime, Jason Lutes had a point-blank chance stopped at the goalpost.

Taylor Page, Jeremy Voigt, Garcia-Barczak and Brandon McMillian all scored for the Hawks in the first level of shootout, but the two teams remained tied leading to extra kicks. The Wildcats converted, but Holley's attempt hit the post and deflected out.

It was a great game and they are a big, physical team, said Holley head coach Dan Orbaker. "Both teams played extremely well and it was a shame that it had to go to penalty kicks because ideally you want the game decided in regulation. I told them to keep their heads up because they are still sectional champions and losing in sudden victory penalty kicks is nothing to be ashamed of. We lose only three starting seniors, so hopefully we can use this as a springboard for next season."