Bay High finds redemption with 2-0 win over North Pontotoc in MHSAA 4A State Championship

BRANDON — Bay High flipped the script.

After falling to Richland last year in the state title game, the Tigers put their stamp on the 2023 season Saturday at Brandon, beating North Pontotoc 2-0 to claim the MHSAA Boys Class 4A State Championship.

It’s Bay High's second state title in school history and first since 2012.

“We finished our opportunities and that’s what it comes down to every year. Finish your opportunities when you have them and we finished enough of them,” said Bay High coach Kelly Ross. “Our back line has been strong for us all year and we played with three in the back and just kept the ball in front of us. We’re not used to playing with the lead. We had to come from behind against Pass Christian and Sumrall.”

Bay High (19-4-2) struck first in the 24th minuted as Aiden Boudro picked up the ball and dribbled from one side of the 18-yard box to the other and shot to the far post and went in the goal to give the Tigers a 1-0 lead.

Boudro was named the games most valuable player.

“The early goal really gave us the momentum we needed. We’re not used to being up early because we had two comeback wins in the playoffs and the early goal really sealed it for us,” Boudro said. “I saw the defender come out early, so I faked the shot and took a big touch and just shot it far post. Last year was tough and I think everyday we remembered that feeling and now it feels good to have the trophy back in the hallway.”

Bryton Dupuy scored the other Tiger goal on a penalty kick off a hand ball in the box in the 54th minute to give Bay High the 2-0 lead.

“Aiden and Bryton have been our entire scoring the last three goals, so when we needed a goal they come up with it,” Ross said. “Very good feeling to flip the script from last year to this year. I told the guys after that game the goal was to get back here and win it and we accomplished that goal.”

North Pontotoc only managed three shots on goal. The Vikings (20-5-1) were in the state title game for the first time in school history.

“Thought we came out flat and still had a chance, but they played really well on defense,” said North Pontotoc coach Travis Little. “That second goal was a killer. You give a team like one that’s OK, but two is a big hole to climb out of.”