Holy Ghost Prep repeats in PIAAs with win over Lancaster Mennonite

HERSHEY — Holy Ghost Prep junior Ted Kawoczka, senior Mike Kirby and junior Joe Braun each netted goals as the Firebirds downed Lancaster Mennonite 3-1 to successfully defend their PIAA Class AA boys soccer championship Saturday afternoon, Nov. 15 at Hersheypark Stadium.

HGP junior goalkeeper Matt Lingerman added three saves for Holy Ghost Prep (19-4-1), which has captured the last two Class AA championships.

Ian Burkhart posted the lone goal for Mennonite (24-3-0), which was playing in its third state final in four seasons. The Blazers played the last 55 minutes a man down after Jarred Sands was sent off for an intentional handball that set up Kirby’s go-ahead penalty kick in the 25th minute.

Although Burkhart staked the Blazers to a 1-0 lead in the fifth minute off a feed from Sands, Kawoczka headed a Kirby restart past Mennonite keeper Josh Martin in the 15th minute to draw the sides even.

Kirby’s PK, which was awarded after Sands used his right arm to prevent a Kawoczka header from skipping just inside the left post, pushed the Firebirds in front for good.

Braun’s 16-yard strike in the 55th minute put the Ghost on top 3-1.

Last year, Holy Ghost captured its first state championship in boys soccer since 1992 when it nipped District 7 champ West Allegheny 1-0 in overtime on a goal by Matt Crawford.