The Fort Walton Beach High School boys soccer team is preparing for their biggest match in recent program history as they head to the FHSAA Class 4A State Semifinals.
- The Vikings (14-6-1) will face top-ranked Barron Collier (Naples, FL) on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale.
Under sixth-year head coach Mario Rodriguez, the Vikings have broken through to the Final Four after several heartbreaking defeats in the Elite Eight round in previous seasons. This year’s squad has dominated their postseason run, outscoring opponents 10-0 through their state tournament matches.
“It’s our first time going to the Final Four, so we’re excited. It’s a new journey,” Rodriguez said before departing for Auburndale. “I told the boys it doesn’t matter who’s number one at this point. It’s the final four teams – it comes down to who wants it.”
The Vikings’ path to the semifinals hasn’t been without challenges. After starting the season with mixed results, including early losses to Gulf Breeze and Choctawhatchee, the team found their stride. A pivotal moment came after a district final loss to West Florida on penalty kicks, which Rodriguez credits as fuel for their postseason surge.
- “What fueled us the most was that loss in PKs in the district final to West Florida,” Rodriguez explained. “The boys realized that if we play like we’re coached to play, we’re going to win. They saw that and grew from it.”
This season has also marked the first with Khalee Wilson serving as associate head coach alongside Rodriguez after moving up from the JV program. The expanded coaching staff has helped develop a deep, talented roster of 25 players who have bought into the team-first mentality.
The Vikings enter Tuesday’s match riding the momentum of three straight shutout victories in the state tournament, including a 2-0 win over Rickards in the regional final. The winner will advance to the state championship match on February 21.
A passionate sendoff ceremony was held Monday morning at the high school, with community members, students, staff, and the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department gathering to support the team as they departed for Auburndale.
“There’s no words for how excited I am for these boys,” Rodriguez said. “At the beginning of the season, they had this goal. The goal was to make it this far and they did. I’m not saying we’re going to go there to lose – we’re going there to win it all. That’s exactly the feelings we have now and that’s the eagerness these boys have.”
