OAKWOOD, Ga. — The United Soccer Coaches High School national rankings poll made official on Tuesday what many in Northeast Georgia and the state probably, already believed.
The nation’s preeminent prep soccer poll proclaimed the Johnson boys the 2023 National Champions after the Knights finished off their first-ever unbeaten season (21-0) and captured their third state title after knocking off Westminster 4-2 in the Class 4A state championship match last month.
“It’s just an amazing feeling,” Johnson coach Frank Zamora said. “It’s a recognition of all the hard work by the kids, coaches, and the administration. It’s the cherry on top of a great season.”
The title was the second straight for the Knights, who won the Class 5A title in 2022. It also was their third since 2018. They also own two wins over Dalton the past two seasons as well, who won its third title since 2018 in Class 6A last month and is considered a national power as well.
In fact, the Knights’ 1-0 win over Dalton during the regular season may have been the deciding factor. Zamora said it probably came down to Brentwood (Tenn.) and the Knights in the final voting.
“Brentwood had a great season and also finished undefeated (25-0), but I think our win over Dalton, and our defensive prowess, may have been the difference,” he said.
The Johnson defense, anchored by keeper Kristian Hernandez and defensive stalwart Landon Avalos, only gave up seven goals all season with 15 shutouts.
However, the never-ending quest for excellence is already underway for the Knights, who are hard at work during summer practices.
“We’ll take a little time to celebrate today,” Zamora said. “But it will be back to the grind (Wednesday) for this new group.”
The new-look Knights in 2024 will be without stars Jorge Sandoval, Ramon Aguilar, Hernandez, and Avalos, who all graduated and moved on to play at the next level.
But five starters from the state title match are expected to return for the Knights in 2024, including rising senior Edgar Vazquez, who had a breakout season in 2023.
“They have some big shoes to fill,” Zamora said. “But I think we have a chance to be really good again next year -- with some hard work.”
