On October 14th the Highlanders won one of their most crucial games of the season against the Montpelier Solons, not long after taking down U32 as well putting them in the one seed with a current record  11-2-1.  Members of the team are hoping the new one seed will give a home advantage. This season is very important because if the team wins the championship it will be their 3rd in a row.

On October 14th, the Highlanders won one of their most crucial games of the season against the Montpelier Solons, not long after taking down U32 as well, which put Harwood in the one seed with a current record of 11-2-1.  Members of the team are hoping the new one seed will give a home advantage in the playoffs. This season is very important because if the team wins the championship, it will be their third in a row.

Commonground spoke to many of the team’s players nearing the playoffs to get an understanding of the team’s mindset headed into them.

“The team experienced a light disimprovement since last season, but despite this, we have made lots of improvements and are working hard. We are only getting better,” says senior Caleb Brookens.  

Injuries, however, have been a big challenge for the team this year, resulting in many of our valuable players unable to play. 

“This hasn’t affected the team’s composure,” said junior John Butler.

The winning streak began two years ago, when the Highlanders went into overtime against Rice when Brycen Sharf, who is now the current captain, scored the winning goal. Last year, the Highlanders won the 2024 D2 soccer state championships against Stratton Mountain School 3-0. This put Harwood back-to-back soccer state champs. Stratton had good stamina, which was expected as they are a ski school, but Harwood dominated the game most of the time, giving Stratton no chance. Now the team’s only goal is to make it to the championship and continue the winning streak.

“We have a deep bench with a good team culture. Our goal now is to lock in for playoffs and secure a third championship under the Harwood belt,.” said senior Felix Kretz

So far, we have had an electric soccer season plowing through the last 10 teams in the preseason, as well as winning our first playoff game against Otter Valley, beating them 16-0 on October 21st. There is still more for the team to overcome as they just headed into late October. 

Here we go, Harwood!