HARDEEVILLE, S.C. () — The Hardeeville boys soccer team can accomplish the improbable on Thursday, May 22. The Canes are attempting to win a state title in their first year competing at the varsity level since their co-op with Ridgeland ended.

The season did not get off to a great start. Hardeeville was winless in their first seven matches, but then they won six of the next seven.

Head coach David Wright said the guys were not playing as a team. They were only playing for themselves and were not bonding while they searched for their first win.

Wright spoke with the eventual two-seed for the Lower State and told them to communicate more and start playing for each other. Since then, they shared the region title with Royal Live Oaks and are one win away from a state title.

“I’m nervous,” Wright said. “I think it’s natural for me to be nervous. But I think they’re doing way much better than me right now. They’re really encouraged. They’re motivated. This is something that they want.”

Junior defender Efrain Tinoco added, “I feel like it’s going to be an unreal feeling. First time. First state final. It’s my junior year and I’ve been trying to make it to a state final for the first time ever. I think it’s going to be a great experience, a great game.”

Hardeeville takes on Dixie in the Class A state championship game Thursday at 2 p.m. At Memorial Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina.