The boys soccer team will play its final district game against Lewisville on March 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hawk Stadium. 

Going into the game against Lewisville, the Hawks have eight wins, nine losses and one tie while Lewisville has 13 wins, five losses and four tied games.

“[Us and Lewisville] play somewhat similar styles since we both like to possess the ball and build up,” head coach Matt Zimmerman said. “They can play [more of] an aggressive style since they are rather physical and have no problem bodying up. When I say physical, I don’t mean dirty or cheap, but they play a physical brand of soccer.”

Lewisville tends to use more set-piece plays when going against Hebron. In response to this strategy, the players have been practicing ways to counter these types of plays and gain the upper hand.

“We’re both usually pretty even in skill, so it’s normally a one or two goal game,” junior captain Jet Thompson said. “We like to get the ball on the ground and link up so we can play closer together. Honestly, it’s a lot about mental preparation and just making sure we don’t drop our level because we know we’re a better team.”

Hebron started off their pre-season with a six-game win streak. Near the end of their scheduled district games, the Hawks experienced a four-loss streak against Flower Mound, Plano, Coppell and Marcus. 

“It’s the last game of the season, regardless of whether or not we’re moving on to playoffs or not,” Zimmerman said. “I look at it as both a good thing and a bad thing. It’s sad because once again, it’s the last regular season game of us being together. There is a tinge of sadness [when] saying goodbye to the season and in particular the seniors more than anything else.” 

Hebron is eighth in district while Lewisville is fourth, with Lewisville winning their last game against Marcus.

“Although our season didn’t go as we [had] hoped, I’m most proud of the bond our team was able to develop on and off the field,” junior center midfielder Luke Dean said. “I’m excited to play with the seniors for one last time because they are leaving. Just being able to play with them one last time will always be fun.”

Regardless of if the team wins or loses, Zimmerman said the seniors should be proud of how well they played the last four years. Zimmerman is also ready to prepare his team for next year and improve on their skills.

“It’s always sad to see that class go off because for me, as a coach, they basically become my boys, like family to me,” Zimmerman said. “[Next year] I’m going to coach [the players] up extremely hard. The talent is there, but with that talent, we have to figure out a way to increase the effort and attitudes. The players have to take another step if they want to get better for next year. Regardless, no matter what we do, we’re [always] going to be a good team.”