By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
‘Jackets season comes to a close in Nor Cal Final
Hilmar 4.JPG
The Hilmar High boys’ soccer team came to an end on Saturday in the CIF Northern California Regional Division-V Final. - photo by Journal file photo

The remarkable run by the Hilmar High boys’ soccer team came to an end on Saturday in the CIF Northern California Regional Division-V Final.

It came at the hands of No. 54 in California, Mission, which was also seeded at No. 3 in the bracket.

They let Hilmar know who they were as they came out firing away immediately and by the second minute, they led 1-0.

Mission led 3-0 at the half.

Bryan Millan added a goal for Hilmar in the second half, but the final read 4-1.

Despite falling in the final, the year ends with many positives, including the fact that this is the most successful team in program history and the first time the boys’ soccer team reached state.

They started off the year by taking on some of the stiffest competition in the state, not just the area.

They took on Livingston and Pitman during the year and even toppled Livingston in a 5-1 final back on Feb. 2.

In the first round of the postseason, Hilmar toppled Waterford, then upset No. 1 Summerville, 4-2, in the Division-V Sac-Joaquin Section semifinals.

This launched them into the Section final where they beat Encina Prep, 6-4, after an overtime thriller, capturing the program’s fourth section title.

They followed this with a first round bye and a No. 1 seed in the Nor Cal State tournament.

They toppled the SJS D-VI champs, Le Grand, in the semifinal, winning 5-3, while earning a spot in the finale.

Hilmar’s season comes to a close with an overall record of 18-7-2.

They finish the year ranked No. 206 in the state and No. 549 in the country.