Going into Sundays Championship game as the underdogs. The three time defending state champs had nothing but sure confidence and continuous mind aspects of what was to be expected from Coach Zipkie. Players of the squad Knew what was expected out of a heavily powered Gilford Club, that had went 19-0 all season long. their Team drew up plans to strike down the Three Time defending state champs and win for the first Time in 5 years. In comparison to professional sports, Gilford is seen as the new York Yankees of NHIAA Class M having won the msot Championship tittles and have had their rivals, such as Hopkinton. This was truly the match everybody wanted to see, the two Best Soccer teams In class M dueling it out for the tittle and thats what the state got.
For the first half nothing came out of the gates as the two teams had their chances and misses going into the second half tied at 0-0.Gilfords relentless attack payed off when Steffan Defregger's divingn header placed Gilford up 1-0. But Just moments later the Hawks crawled out of their nest and layed an egg on Gilford's doorstep with a goal by Billy French, assisted By carter Rouleau. The Game was scoreless until the 67th minuet when the unexpected corner
Turned into an unexpected goal as Kris Abildgaard put a bullet in Gilfords heart. That bullet seemed to weaken Gilford who bled away in infamy with time running out and behind for the first time all season. Both the Players on the field and the Bench could feel the tensions building and the profound feeling of victory was in every Hopkinton players mind . With the sudden tweek of the officials whistle, an eruption of cheers and chants roared from the stands and the bench as the Hawks rushed to embrace each other on the field. with a traditional celebration of a team pig pile it was a memorable sight for both the fans and the team. Gilford was first honored in the trophy presentation with the runner up medals ,followed by the Presentation of the Championship plaque and the championship medals awarded to the Hopkinton Hawks . after several minuets of embracing the victory and sharing it with fans and teammates, the Hawks gathered their soccer remains and deployed on the bus bound for home.
For the Past Four years the Boys varsity soccer team has brought a sense of Pride and joy to the School and the town Hopkinton. Many were their to support the Hawks like they had done many times before in previous state championship runs, all accept one person who tragically died last spring in a kayaking Trip.
This man was one of the most supportive Fans ever to support hopkinton's soccer programs as well as the Hopkinton High school. he made many memories for People of hopkinton and made his mark in lives of so many. this article Is dedicated to
Hamilton "Toby" Wood
