BARNSTABLE, Mass. -- The Hoosac Valley boys soccer team crossed the commonwealth for the second time in in four days in the Division 5 State Tournament.

 

This time, the Hurricanes ended up on the wrong end of a 2-0 decision to St. John Paul II.

 

After carrying the play for 40 minutes, Hoosac Valley gave up a goal in the first five minutes of the second half.

 

The Canes (11-5-2) then battled evenly over the next 35 minutes, according to coach Blair Mahar, but the third-seeded Lions were awarded a penalty kick after a handball inside the 18 with less than a minute to play.

 

The St. John Paul II converted that chance to provide the final margin.

 

"Really proud of our boys though," Mahar said. "Fifteen months ago in August of 2024 when coach [Ben] Raimer and I took the helm, we had seven boys total signed up for Hoosac soccer.  We didn't even think we'd have a team last year and a Drury Co-op was a strong possibility. But we recruited and assembled a team that went on to have a winning record and we made States.  A year later to win our league and make the round of 16 with these same boys has been the most rewarding and enjoyable journey

 

"Coach and I are both hanging up our cleats this year as head coaches for Hoosac. In all the years I've coached Hoosac teams -- JV boys, varsity girls, varsity boys -- I have not enjoyed a team more than I've enjoyed these young men in our 2025 campaign. Great way to end my career as coach."