Vermont High School Champs Crowned
Rice field hockey team completes a historic three-peat while Essex and MMU win soccer titles in a weekend of upsets and dynasties.
By Austin Reed ·
Vermont high school athletes secured their 2026 state titles this week, with outcomes ranging from defensive standouts to record-breaking dynasties. The results determined the final standings for soccer, field hockey, and football across multiple divisions.
In boys Division I soccer, the Essex Hornets defeated the CVU Chargers 2-1 in double overtime at Rutland High School. Senior Ethan Leo, the school’s all-time leading goal scorer, scored the winning goal with nine minutes remaining in the second extra period. Goalie Jackson Willets made 11 saves to secure the title for Essex, extending their playoff run that included a double overtime win over Burr and Burton in the semifinals.
The girls Division I final saw MMU claim their first state title since 2003. Freshman Ashlynn Barrett scored the decisive goal with roughly two and a half minutes left in regulation to give MMU a 3-2 victory over Burr and Burton. Barrett finished the play after collecting the ball from a scrum following a corner kick.
Rice established a new era in field hockey by capturing its third consecutive Division I championship. The Green Knights finished the season with a 16-1 record after beating Essex 7-0 in the final. This achievement makes Rice the first Vermont program to win three straight titles since South Burlington did so between 2015 and 2017.
Other soccer champions included Rice in boys Division II, where Flint Crary scored two goals to lead a 3-2 win over Milton. The Green Knights finished the season with a 16-1-1 record. In girls Division II, the Green Mountain Valley Gumbies defeated Springfield 4-1 to win their first title since 1992. Vivi Hermsdorf scored twice for the Gumbies, ending Springfield’s undefeated season.
The boys Division III soccer final on Friday ended with People’s Academy defeating Winooski 3-2 in overtime. Schuyler Grant scored the winning goal on a rebound put-back. This marks the first state title for the team since their losses in 2023 and 2025. Vergennes completed back-to-back Division III girls soccer titles with a 2-0 victory over Stowe.
Football results showed a mix of firsts and upsets. The Burlington-South Burlington-Winooski SeaWolves scored their first ever playoff win, beating Essex 15-7 to reach the semifinals. The team had gone winless the previous season. Middlebury fell 27-21 to Mount Anthony, ending their chance to repeat as champions. Colchester defeated Hartford 54-38 in Division II, while Otter Valley beat Woodstock 22-13 in Division III.
Top seeds in Division I football remained undefeated. St. Johnsbury defeated Rutland 54-13, and Burr and Burton beat CVU 42-19. In cross country, the Thetford Academy boys team won the Division III state title on their home course, their first championship in the event since 2018.
