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The Kadet Boys Soccer Team may have left Finals as second in state, but they leave in first in the eyes of their supporters. The Air Academy boys’ soccer team played one of their toughest games against rival team Cheyenne Mountain for the state title in Denver on November 9, 2013. Strong emotions, along with questions of who would win the game, filled the air as the game began at the early kickoff time of 10:30AM. The first goal went to Cheyenne Mtn. during the first half and from then on, the Kadets knew that they would have to work much harder to win this already tough game. In that moment, the anxiety of the crowd was nearly tangible. The boys played the defense of their lives as the first half continued on. The ball shot from one side of the field to the other, back and forth until the half ended with a score of 1-0, Cheyenne in the lead.

State Finals was off to a tense start, but the Kadets went onto the field ready and determined. The second half began and you could see the hunger in both team’s eyes for the title of “State Final Champions.” At the six minute mark, Alex Granados scored a goal that brought the score to a tie. The Kadets, both on the field and in the stands, went wild. The goal seemed to be the break that the boys needed to win, and Air Academy spirits rose greatly. Although the score was an amazing victory for the boys, it was quickly squashed by Cheyenne. With three minutes left in the game, Cheyenne Mountain scored the game-winning goal. The final score was Cheyenne Mountain 2 and Air Academy 1. Our Kadet boys did all they could, hustled with all of their might, and NEVER gave up their will to win the game. Because of the fighting spirit that lived inside all of the Air Academy boys that Saturday, the fans and players were able to walk out of the stadium with pride in their team, and, most importantly, represent Air Academy by staying classy.
The Air Academy boys’ soccer went 18-2 throughout their 2013 season and 7-0 in the Pikes Peak standings. They are a strong team that made it to the State Finals by doing work and working as not only a team but as a family. The bond between all of the players can be seen, heard, and felt. At the end of the game, the loss hit our boys hard but they were smart and leaned on each other for support. The boys sent the message that Air Academy is united. We are united as a community, we are united as a school, and we are united as a team.