The run to TSSAA Division II boys’ soccer state titles by Boyd Buchanan and McCallie this year came with multiple standouts leading the way for each program.
That star power was reflected Thursday, when the Tennessee Sports Writers Association’s all-state teams were released and the Buccaneers and Blue Tornado led the Chattanooga area with four selections apiece.
McCallie’s representatives on the Division II-AA all-state team were junior goalkeeper Ryan Larrabee (six shutouts), freshman midfielder Brooks Hilger (nine goals), senior midfielder Brandon Mathurin (nine goals, five assists) and senior forward Dylan Capazario (14 goals, five assists). That quartet helped the No. 1 nationally ranked Blue Tornado post the program’s first unbeaten season at 15-0-1, which included a confidence-boosting road win during the regular season against eventual Class AAA state champion Bearden.
“These guys put in the work in practice, in the weight room and in games,” Blue Tornado coach Chris Cushenbery said. “Their spirit and energy were contagious. I will forever be proud to be associated with them. They gave me the gift of this season, and I love them for it. Every single one of our guys played a major part in putting together the best soccer season in McCallie history.”
Meanwhile, Boyd Buchanan’s third straight trip to the Division II-A championship match at the Spring Fling proved to be the charm. The Bucs won their first state title since 2010, and paramount to that success was the play of their four all-state selections: sophomore keeper Nathan Randolph (12 shutouts), junior forward Andrew Pollard (19 goals, 11 assists), senior midfielder Phillip Collins (six goals, 17 assists) and senior defender Emory Gravitt.