Three second-half goals lifted Cape Fear Christian Academy to its first state championship in boys soccer at Faith Christian School in Rocky Mount on Saturday.

The Eagles topped Lee Christian, 4-1, to finish the season 8-7-1 after a 1-5-1 start.

Freshman Tripp Selph scored two goals in the final. Freshman Caden Scarborough had a goal and an assist.

The Eagles applied considerable offensive pressure early after Coach Michael Breslin sought to alleviate the tension that comes with playing for a state championship.

“Before the match began, I figured whichever team was more relaxed would have an advantage,” Breslin said. “The minutes leading up to kickoff are often a time when nerves take over.

“With that in mind, I wanted the guys thinking about something — anything else. So we had a discussion about which candy bars are the best. It may have been a little unorthodox, but it worked and we took the field and were ready to go at the opening whistle. For the record, Snickers and Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups were the players’ favorites.

“We controlled the flow of the game from the beginning. However, in the 13th minute, a defensive communication error allowed Lee Christian to score and take an early 1-0 lead. While that was unfortunate, none of us were too concerned. We were in control and played most of the first half in the opponent’s end of the field.”

Lee’s advantage did not last long as Selph scored an unassisted goal at 16:05 from just outside the 18-yard box.

“We had more opportunities that we failed to convert, but we still played well and continued to control the game,” Breslin said of the first half.

Scarborough scored the go-ahead goal for a 2-1 lead at 51:05 off an assist from senior Will Hobbs. Scarborough assisted Selph at 74:52.

Senior Jackson Breslin assisted freshman Cason Pope for his first varsity goal at 78:54.

“This is a special group of guys,” Breslin said. “They worked hard all season and really came together as a team. I am fortunate to have been able to coach them and am proud to call them state champs!”

Jackson Bolton had five saves in the final in anchoring a defense that featured backs Wyatt Medlin, Trevor McLamb, Parker Thompson and Sam Medlin. The group that helped control the midfield included Brandon Surles, Thomas Honeycutt, Patrick Raynor, Michael Shook and James Taylor.

CFCA took advantage of some good fortune in the playoffs to be in position to defeat fellow Mid-South 1-A Conference member Lee (6-10-2) for the fourth time this season.

The Eagles, the No. 3 seed in the state bracket, avoided a trip to No. 2 Pungo (10-4-1) when the Raiders were stunned, 5-1, by Ridgecroft in the quarterfinals as Justin Peterson scored four goals.

CFCA hosted the Rams in the semifinals and advanced with a 3-0 win on October 25. Ridgecroft finished 3-10.

Lee knocked off top-seeded Crossroads Christian (18-4), 4-3, in overtime, in the other NCISAA semifinal.

Breslin took a unique but effective approach to practice en route to the state title. The Eagles worked out just once after a 3-0 quarterfinal win against Oakwood on October 20, with a session on Thursday, October 27.

“We did not want to overdo it or risk injury,” Breslin said. “By that point in the season, it’s mostly about keeping the guys loose, mentally as well as physically. The training and drills are done in the beginning of the season.”

Selph concluded the state title season with 18 goals and four assists. Scarborough produced 10 goals and four assists. Breslin had seven goals and seven assists. Hobbs contributed four goals and four assists.

A bus was chartered for the trip to Rocky Mount. The STATE CHAMPIONS trophy had its own seat on the ride home.