It was a wonderful day to be a Cougar as Holy Spirit Prep’s Varsity Boys Soccer team delivered a dominant 6–0 victory over Heritage in the state final at Stratford Academy, claiming the championship title.
After two years of heartbreak in the finals, the Cougars arrived ready for battle, determined not to let history repeat itself.
This season marked the team’s eighth Final Four appearance in the past nine years, a testament to the strength and consistency of the program. But this year, they were after more than just an appearance. They were chasing redemption.
Holy Spirit Prep took control early. In a storybook moment, it was sophomore defender Danny Villazon, who had only one goal all season, who broke the deadlock with a calm finish inside the box. Just minutes later, Aram Santillan found the net with a strong header off an Anthony Flores corner kick. The goal was especially meaningful for Santillan, whose penalty was saved in last year’s final. His celebration with teammates was a moment of pure redemption.
Right before the break, Villazon struck again with a driven shot from nearly 30 yards that tucked into the bottom corner, giving HSP a commanding 3–0 lead at halftime.
The second half saw more Cougar dominance. Sophomore Roman Donner added a brilliant solo goal, which was his school-record 40th goal contribution of the season.. He beat four defenders before sliding the ball past the keeper. Ultimately, the team capped off the win with two perfect team goals, securing them the 6-0 win.
“This final wasn’t about nerves. It was about proving what they were capable of,” said Sam Walker, HSP Athletics Director and longtime soccer program director. “The boys showed their class and made it clear they weren’t going to suffer another final defeat. They did themselves, their families, the traveling fans, and the school proud.”
The team’s exceptional season also earned top individual honors. Sam Walker was named GIAA Coach of the Year—his fifth time receiving the statewide honor—and Region Coach of the Year for the sixth time in his career. In addition, senior Pierce Hughey, a defensive standout and Valedictorian for the Class of 2025, was named GIAA Boys Soccer Player of the Year..
Several Cougars were also named to the All-Region Team of the Year, including Pierce Hughey, Hollis Weiss, Anthony Flores, Anthony Lombardi, Dylan Craig, Aram Santillan, Gage Durham, and Roman Donner.
With grit, talent, and leadership from top to bottom, Holy Spirit Prep ends its season not just as champions, but as a team that has firmly left its mark on school history.
