Coronado Aims for Four Straight State Championships

Run, Shoot, Score!//Playing soccer has seemed easier while watching the Coronado Cougars aim for their fourth state championship in a row. Coronado is the only soccer team to win three state championships continuously.  (Photo by Harrison VanAken)

The men's Coronado soccer team is looking to make history as the team prepares for the upcoming championships. After claiming the title three years in a row, the team is looking to defend their title as the most dominant team in Nevada. This would be a historic feat for Nevada's high school soccer community, as no team has ever accomplished this before.

The Cougars have remained one of the top teams in the state throughout the season, relying on strong players such as Brady Flickenger, Gavin Biddinger, and last but not least Mattie Lucina. These Cougars have shown their dedication and loyalty throughout their careers,  providing teamwork, grit and devotion. With these key qualities from their experienced players, winning the championship game seems like a possible outcome for these young men. The team knows the pressure is high, but they are focused on finishing the season on top. 

“The first game might have been a hard loss for the boys, but I've seen them play," varsity team alumnus Brody Breeden explained.  “I know how hard they want it and how hard they will work for it. These are far more than regular players. They have been through this before. One loss doesn’t define a team; it's how they can take that loss and turn it into success.”

A fourth straight championship would be a historic accomplishment for Coronado, as no other NCAA Nevada high school soccer team has ever been close to winning 3 consecutive state championships, and the roaring Cougars are aiming for their 4th. 

Many valuable players such as Brody Breeden, who won the Southern Nevada Defensive Player of the Year, and Gavin Flickinger, who won Gatorade Player of the Year have graduated last year.  However, as players come and go, the players today remain equally valuable in addition to the amazing coaching. 

“Coach Barton is a top-tier coach; he makes us work for what we want and pushes us to our max,” senior Aumuun Hagos explained.  “He never calls just one of us out. In his eyes, if one of us messes up, then we all mess up. He treats us like equals and is overall a very understanding, kind-hearted human being. Winning is his goal.”

With all that said, only time can tell how Coronado’s soccer players can handle the pressure of taking home the gold for the 4th consecutive year in a row. It all comes down to how they play as a team, not how the top players perform. A team is only as strong as its weakest link, yet the Cougars are more than ready to take on the challenge.