HARDEEVILLE — The Hardeeville High School varsity boys’ soccer team defeated Dixie High School 3-2 in overtime on May 21, 2026, to win its first-ever South Carolina High School League Class A Boys State Championship. The victory marked a reversal from the previous year, when Hardeeville lost the 2025 state final to Dixie by a score of 2-1.
Hardeeville opened the scoring just minutes into the match when senior midfielder Fabian Ramirez converted a penalty kick. Dixie responded ten minutes later to level the game at 1-1. One minute into the second half, Dixie took a 2-1 lead before Hardeeville senior Efrain Tinoco, a two-time all-state and all-region player, tied the match midway through the half on an assist from Kevin Lopez.
The game ended regulation tied 2-2 and remained scoreless through the first overtime period. Freshman Caden Mitchell scored the decisive goal with eight minutes left in overtime, assisted by Ramirez, securing Hardeeville’s first state title in program history.
The win capped an 18-7 season for Hardeeville and extended the team’s winning streak to nine games. Earlier in the postseason, Hardeeville defeated Charleston Math & Science 2-1 to claim its second consecutive Lower State Championship. The team also won its region title with a 9-1 region record.
Head Coach Misael Garzon said, "I want to first give glory to God for allowing us to be able to enjoy this beautiful game." Garzon, who became head coach and athletic director at Hardeeville in September 2025 after nine years at May River High School, added, "All year we spoke about trusting the process and finishing the job this team started last year."
Ramirez, who scored the opening goal and assisted on the game-winner, was named region player of the year and an all-state player.