Region's Best
The margin for error was much smaller than in years past for WPIAL soccer teams this season.
Normally, two or three Class 4A teams qualify for the state playoffs, but due to COVID-19 concerns, only district champions advanced in 2020.
Due to that reason, Seneca Valley's boys were on the brink of a season-ending loss to Peters Township in the WPIAL final Nov. 7, trailing the Indians 3-1 after 40 minutes of play.
“Mason Baldwin (senior midfielder) came up to me at halftime and said 'We got this, coach,'” said Raiders' coach George Williams. “It wasn't arrogant, either. It was just taking charge.”
The Raiders managed a stirring rally. Nathan Eastgate and Beaux Lizewski both scored in the second half to tie the game. Lizewski then scored in double overtime in the 4-3 win.
The victory didn't just earn for the Raiders a WPIAL title, it spurred a PIAA-run that culminated with SV raising the state championship trophy two weeks later in Hershey following a 2-1 win over Neshaminy.
Williams guided the Raiders throughout and the team finished with a 17-1-1 record. For his efforts, Williams was recently named Regional Large School Boys Soccer Coach of the Year by United Soccer Coaches.
Pennsylvania's region also includes New York and New Jersey.
“This is a big honor,” said Williams. “It often comes from a team doing very well, but I know there are a lot of good coaches and good teams out there.”
The coronavirus pandemic made the fall high school sports season unlike any other. Masks, social distancing, temperature checks and modified schedules were among the many precautions taken and could have affected a team's focus and morale.
“Our message to the players from Day 1 was: 'We get to play today,'” said Williams. “Originally, the kids were going to school, but eventually, things became more remote for them with classes. I think soccer, even with all the other stuff surrounding it, gave the guys a return to normalcy. It was their only chance to get out into the world.”
Several starters missed playoff games due to quarantining, but the results on the field remained the same. The Raiders finished the season with 14 straight wins.
“It gave a number of players the opportunity to step up and they did,” said Williams. “Everybody contributed in some way and that made this season so satisfying.”
Williams, who earned his 300th career victory in November, has been leading the Raiders since 1995. Though this season yielded the program's first state championship, SV has been a very strong program, qualifying for postseason play for 13 straight seasons.
“I've been fortunate to work with a lot of great players, great teams and great people.” he said. “That's why I've been here this long.”
Williams was assisted this season by Jay Roman and Scott Stewart.
