Charlotte Catholic Wins 6A Soccer Title in Thrilling PK Shootout
The Charlotte Catholic Cougars clinched the NCHSAA 6A boys soccer state championship in dramatic fashion, defeating the Middle Creek Mustangs 1-1 (4-3) in a penalty kick shootout. The hard-fought battle unfolded Saturday, November 22, at Guilford College’s Appenzeller Field, capping an unforgettable 2025 season.
A Dramatic Comeback Seals the Championship
Charlotte Catholic saved their most intense performance for the final moments of the season. Trailing for over 40 minutes, the Cougars mounted a comeback, finding their equalizer in the 71st minute when Braden Mathis converted a penalty kick. This pivotal goal, following a Middle Creek keeper’s yellow card inside the box, ignited Catholic’s momentum, pushing the game into overtime.
The Nail-Biting Penalty Kick Showdown
After neither team could break the 1-1 deadlock through two halves of overtime and two golden goal periods, the championship came down to penalty kicks—a rare tenth occurrence in NCHSAA history. Middle Creek initially took a 1-0 lead, but Charlotte Catholic clawed back. The turning point came when Catholic’s Aiden Turton made a crucial save on Middle Creek’s fifth attempt. With the pressure mounting, Emmett Drensek stepped up and delivered the winning kick, securing the title for the Cougars.
Coach Hoilett’s Vision and Team Resilience
Charlotte Catholic coach Gary Hoilett expressed his team’s deliberate pursuit of the title. “I did not hide behind this year, I laid it out for them and said this team needs to be in the state finals and this team needs to win,” Hoilett stated, highlighting a season built on ambition. The team also showed remarkable resilience, playing without junior Rex Bumgarner, their leading scorer, who was sidelined due to a red card in the regional final. Bumgarner, despite his absence, had “full faith” in his teammates to clinch the victory.
Middle Creek’s Historic Run Ends in Heartbreak
The Middle Creek Mustangs, despite the loss, completed a truly historic season. They took the lead in the 38th minute when Holden Adams capitalized on a rebound, giving them a 1-0 advantage just before halftime. Coach Steve Lindsay, reflecting on his team’s meteoric rise and first-ever conference title, spoke of his immense pride. “I couldn’t be any more proud of the young men that had given so much to this program,” Lindsay shared, emphasizing the strong family bond within his team.
A Clash of Traditions: Catholic vs. Middle Creek
The championship game brought together two programs with contrasting histories. Charlotte Catholic boasts a rich legacy, holding the most championship appearances in NCHSAA boys soccer. Middle Creek, under Coach Lindsay’s three-year tenure, has experienced an unprecedented ascent in the soccer ranks.
| Team | NCHSAA Championship Appearances | NCHSAA Titles Won | 2025 Season Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Catholic | 19 (Most) | 8 (Tied for 2nd Most) | 22-4-1 |
| Middle Creek | N/A (First Final since program’s rise) | 0 | 24-2-1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who won the NCHSAA 6A Boys Soccer Championship?
The Charlotte Catholic Cougars defeated the Middle Creek Mustangs. - What was the final score and how was it decided?
Charlotte Catholic won 1-1 (4-3) in a penalty kick shootout after regulation and overtime periods. - Who was named the MVP of the championship game?
Braden Mathis of Charlotte Catholic was named MVP for his crucial equalizer and overall play. - Why was Charlotte Catholic’s leading scorer absent?
Junior Rex Bumgarner was out due to a red card received in the 6A West regional final, which, by rule, prevented him from playing in the championship. - Where can I find North Carolina high school sports scores and brackets?
You can find scores across North Carolina on the HighSchoolOT scoreboard and live playoff brackets on HighSchoolOT.com.
This thrilling NCHSAA 6A Boys Soccer Championship serves as a reminder of the passion, perseverance, and unpredictable excitement that defines high school sports across our region.
Charlotte Catholic Wins State Soccer Title in Shootout
