Bentonville High School’s boys soccer team captured the Class 6A state championship Friday with a 5-1 win over Springdale Har-Ber at Hot Springs Lakeside.
It was the program’s first title since 2014, ending a decade-long drought. The Tigers dominated play early and often, netting three goals in the first half to build an early lead. Har-Ber managed to cut the deficit in half before halftime, but Bentonville responded with two second-half goals to seal the win.
The victory caps off a strong season for the Tigers, who entered the tournament with a 17-2-2 record. Head coach Chris Giles said the team’s chemistry and resilience were key throughout the playoffs.
“These guys have worked incredibly hard all year,” Giles said. “They’ve bought into the system, supported each other, and stayed focused even when things got tough. Winning it all is a testament to their dedication.”
Bentonville’s offense was led by a multi-goal performance from senior Brandon Lawson, who scored twice and assisted on another. His efforts earned him a spot on the all-tournament team, along with teammates Ethan Reed and Jordan Villanueva.
Har-Ber, making its first title appearance since 2019, pushed hard in the second half but couldn’t overcome the early deficit. The Mavericks finished the season with a 15-4-1 record, marking a strong campaign under second-year head coach Miguel Tena.
“I’m proud of how far this group has come,” Tena said. “We’re young in some spots, but we’ve got a solid foundation. This experience will help us grow.”
The championship game was played in front of a lively crowd, with fans from both schools filling sections of the stadium. Several former players from Bentonville’s 2014 title team were spotted cheering on the current squad from the stands.
Friday’s win marks the third state title in program history for Bentonville, with previous championships coming in 2003 and 2014. The team’s success this season included a shutout performance in the regional finals and a district title that helped secure a top seed heading into the state tournament.
For many seniors on the roster, the championship was the culmination of years of dedication. Matt Rodriguez, a four-year varsity player, said the team leaned on each other through injuries and tough matches alike.
“We’ve been through a lot together,” Rodriguez said. “To end it like this, with a state title, is something none of us will ever forget.”
The Tigers are set to graduate eight seniors, but Giles said the program is well-positioned for the future with a strong core of underclassmen returning next season.
As the team celebrated on the field, fans tossed roses and waved flags. Some parents held up handmade signs while younger siblings chased each other around the concession stands. It was a moment many in the community had waited years to see.
Bentonville Mayor Matthew McDaniel released a statement Saturday morning congratulating the team. “This championship is a source of pride for our entire city,” he said. “Great job to the players, coaches, and families who made this season possible.”
The team is scheduled to hold a celebration assembly at Bentonville High School on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. in the gymnasium. The public is invited to attend.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
