Photo: Hernando Starkville boys soccer playoff game. The Tigers won the 7A state championship, defeating Northwest Rankin. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
In a state where high school soccer is played in the winter, Hernando High School's MHSAA 7A state champions this season were ranked among the best in the nation.
United Soccer Coaches announced the national rankings for the 2023-24 season, and the Tigers, who won the 7A title by defeating last year's 6A state champion Northwest Rankin 2-0, finished 10th in the nation with a three-way tie. Hernando was tied with San Diego, California, St. Augustine and Duncanville, Texas.
Hernando finished the season with a 20-3 record and won the state title in its first appearance in the state championship game.
The Tigers also finished third in Region II, which includes Mississippi State. Among Mississippi State's soccer schools, Northwest Rankin was his No. 5 in Region II, Long Beach was his No. 6 and St. Andrew's Episcopal of Ridgeland was his No. 10.
Gulliver Prep of Miami, Florida became the No. 1 team in the nation. Complete rankings are available on the United Soccer Coaches website.
Founded in 1941 and based in Kansas City, Missouri, United Soccer Coaches is the world's largest soccer coaching organization serving members at all levels of the game.