It began as season without many promises and ended with a state trophy for two best friends on and off the pitch.

Senior players Emily Simon and Sam Woods, who have been best friends since childhood, celebrated their victory together. The team's unexpected championship run came after a challenging regular ...

DELAND — Benjamin goalkeeper Emily Simon and defender Sam Woods stood next to each other wearing ear-to-ear smiles after the Buccaneers won Saturday night's Class 2A state championship.