CARY— Kevin Mazariegos had a hat trick to lead Wilkes Central to an exciting 4-3 come-from-behind victory over Cardinal Gibbons in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association state 2-A men’s soccer championship at SAS Soccer Park on Saturday.

Wilkes Central trailed Gibbons 2-1 at halftime and fell behind 3-1 early in the second half before the Eagles erupted for three unanswered goals. Mazariegos, a junior midfielder at 5-9 and 160 pounds, was named the Most Valuable Player of the championship match and ended the season with 37 goals scored.

It was the first state soccer championship ever for the Eagles, who finished the season with a 19-2-1 record. Gibbons had a 22-game winning streak snapped and ended its year 25-3.

NORTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

2005 STATE 2-A MEN’S SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP

SAS Soccer Park, Cary

Cardinal Gibbons 2 1 — 3

Wilkes Central 1 3 — 4