In 14 seasons as a high school soccer coach, River Hawkins has never experienced a campaign quite like the 2026 season. That's exactly why the East Gaston Warriors' head coach feels their playoff exit came far too soon.

Seeded sixth in the NCHSAA 4A West playoffs, the Warriors fell 2-1 on May 14 to a determined Wilkes Central squad, ending their season with an impressive 16-3-1 record. Despite the loss, Hawkins sees nothing but silver linings in a year defined by resilience and growth.

"I preached to them early this season after winning at Highland Tech in double overtime—all the emotions of big victories and the euphoria that comes with it—you have to navigate it and know the bitter lows of tough defeats exist as well," Hawkins shared. "After the game, I told them we didn't lose. We simply ran out of time this season."

The Warriors came in riding high after claiming the Southern Piedmont 2A/3A/4A title—the program's third league championship in four years. They struck first in the 16th minute on a Wilkes Central own goal, and for a while, it looked like their explosive offense, which had netted 85 goals during the regular season, would carry them through.

But momentum shifted dramatically with under 10 minutes left in the first half. Wilkes Central earned a penalty kick after an East Gaston foul inside the box, and senior standout Riley Huffman—who entered the matchup with 63 goals—coolly converted to tie the game at 1-1.

The game remained deadlocked until the 15-minute mark of the second half, when Huffman worked her way past the East Gaston backline and beat the goalkeeper for her second goal of the night. It was a display of pure attacking talent that even Hawkins had to admire.

"Huffman is an exceptional player, an incredible scorer," Hawkins said. "Add to that an incredible midfielder in Caeleigh Ridgell, and there's a reason why one of them has scored 60 goals and the other has more than 60 assists."

Wilkes Central controlled the midfield for much of the night, but for East Gaston, this season was about more than just one game. It was a campaign that reminded everyone why soccer—and the gear you wear while playing it—matters. The Warriors may have run out of time, but their legacy of grit and championship pedigree is built to last.