Barron Collier boys soccer is a family. Most of the guys have been playing together since they were in middle school. They describe their bonds as brotherhood.
“It translates onto the field," senior midfielder Emerson LaOrden said. "We know what we’re going to do. We know what we need to do with each other.”
Their brotherhood has led to history. For the first time ever, Barron Collier boys soccer is about to play in the state championship.
“It means a lot," LaOrden said. "I’ve been dreaming about this, the whole team has been dreaming about this for a while now.”
Dreams have become reality. The Cougars have put together one of the best resumes ever. They are 19-2, ranked top-30 in the entire country, top-20 in the state of Florida, and number one in Class 4A.
Barron Collier has dominated teams in every which way this season. Offensively, they are averaging nearly five goals per game, led by a midfield that head coach John Damasco says is the best in the state.
“We can attack you from all different sides in any different way," LaOrden said. "I think that’s what makes us so dangerous.”
Defensively, the Cougars are giving up just one goal a contest — something that Damasco hangs his hat on as a defensive-minded coach.
“Everyone’s passion is there," senior midfielder Andrew Goduti said. "We’re all for the team. Everyone’s a team player. No one is selfish. We all want it so badly, we’re willing to do what it takes for it.”
This year's title run has been a long time coming. The Cougars have been building for years. They've made deep playoff runs in recent seasons, but none as deep as this one.
“We’ve worked our tails off," Damasco said. "We’ve jumped some hurdles, and here we are.”
Thanks to a senior-heavy roster, Barron Collier enters the state championship game as the number one seed and the favorite to hoist the trophy. It's a pressure the guys welcome.
Their motto all year long has been "risk everything." It's printed on their warmup shirts that they wear before every game. Now, they are going to live up to that promise and leave it all out on the pitch for the state championship.
“This is what you’re going to see — a bunch of guys out there busting butt to get this done," Damasco promised.
By just making it to the final game, the Cougars have made school history. However, they're not content with that. They want to win it all.
“I like our odds," Damasco said.
“All the hard work would finally pay off," Goduti added. "It’s just an amazing reward.”
“We’re ready, ready to make history," LaOrden said. "We already made history last season and this season, but we’re ready to set our names in stone.”
Barron Collier takes on Mater Lakes Academy in the Class 4A state championship in Auburndale on Friday at 4 p.m.