In the FHSAA Class 5A Boys Soccer State Championship, Beachside defeated Pembroke Pines Charter Jaguars 2–1 in overtime at Spec Martin Stadium. The Barracudas, led by head coach Mark Forrester, claimed their first soccer state title in school history.
Pembroke Pines Charter struck first, scoring in the 19th minute to take a 1–0 lead and forcing the Barracudas to respond under pressure. Beachside answered quickly when midfielder Austin Kern delivered a clutch free kick goal just six minutes later, tying the match before halftime. Both teams battled through a physical second half, but neither side could find the net in regulation.
Here we go! We are headed to two 10-minute extra periods! At the end of regulation:
— FHSAA (@FHSAA) March 1, 2026
Pembroke Pines Charter-1
Beachside-1#FHSAA 5A Boys Soccer State Championship pic.twitter.com/BUCpCilDvd
In overtime, the decisive moment came when forward Davi Martins stepped to the penalty spot and calmly converted the game-winning kick. His goal secured the 2–1 victory and delivered Beachside its first state title, marking the first boys soccer championship for Northeast Florida since 2017.
State Semifinal Performance
Beachside advanced to the final after a dominant 4–0 victory over River Ridge Royal Knights in the state semifinals.
Key contributions came from several offensive standouts:
- Everett Grass opened the scoring just after the first-half water break.
- Davi Martins added another goal to extend the lead.
- Elian Borsellino and Braxton Fleming helped seal the victory with second-half scoring contributions.
They also defeated playoff opponents Chiles 2-0, Choctawhatchee (4-1), and Booker T Washington (Pensacola) 2-1 in the Elite 8.
The Beachside Barracudas are your #FHSAA 5A Boys Soccer State Champions! 🏆⚽️
— FHSAA (@FHSAA) March 1, 2026
Beachside defeats Pembroke Pines Charter 2-1 in OVERTIME in a highly contested battle to claim the title! What a finish! 🔥👏 pic.twitter.com/H7PVrbkIVE
Season Review
The Barracudas finished the season with an impressive 19-2-2 record, showcasing a balanced team built on disciplined defense and a versatile attack. They went 2-0-1 in the district, tying Ponte Vedra early in the season, but getting the win over the district rival in the second game (1-0). Their 9-2 blowout of St. Augustine showed the fire power the teamed possessed to score at will when needed.
Key Contributors
- Davi Martins – Forward: Delivered the championship-winning penalty and was one of the team’s most dangerous attackers throughout the postseason.
- Santiago Suarez-10 Goals, and led team in assists (13)
- Austin Kern – Midfielder: Known for set-piece precision, including the tying free kick in the state title match.
- Everett Grass – Midfielder: A consistent scoring threat who helped ignite the semifinal victory.
- Elian Borsellino & Braxton Fleming – Attackers: Added depth to the offense and key postseason goals.
- Davi Noronha – Forward: Multi-goal performances during the regular season highlighted his finishing ability.
Defensively, there were 8 games where the Barracudas shutout opponents. Brian Garland had 10 shutouts, while Hunter Dison had 8.
Team Identity
Beachside’s success came from a fast, attacking style paired with disciplined defensive structure. The Barracudas frequently overwhelmed opponents with balanced scoring, recording several multi-goal victories and long unbeaten stretches during the season.
Program Milestone
The championship represented a historic moment for Beachside High School, a relatively new school whose soccer program had never advanced past the second round of the playoffs before this season. Within just a few years of the school opening, the Barracudas rose to the top of Florida high school soccer.
With a talented core of returning players and momentum from the state title, Beachside’s championship run could mark the beginning of a sustained era of success for the Barracudas soccer program.
