ARBUCKLE, CA (MPG) – For the first time since the 2009-10 season, the Pierce boys soccer team ended the regular season as the Sacramento Valley League champion after edging Williams 2-1 in a match played on Feb. 10 at Greg LeMaster Field.
Facing their county rival on Senior Night, the match boiled down to the second half where the Bears drew first blood on a goal by Francisco Ruiz.
Yet, the defending Northern Section Division III champion Yellowjackets were not going down without a fight and countered with a goal from Jose Cervantes.
However, Pierce ultimately had the answer as with time running down, Adrian Duarte put the game winner in the back of the net.
With the victory, the Bears handed the ‘Jackets their first loss in SVL play this season and in the process not only secured the championship for Pierce, but also the No. 1 ranking in the Northern Section ahead of teams from Pleasant Valley and Gridley.
Pierce (12-1-2, 6-0-2) which previously won NSCIF titles in 2001, 2003, 2007 and 2008, now enters the 2026 Division III playoffs where it also received the No. 1 seed and a first round bye.
It returns to the home pitch on Feb. 24 for a second round match against the winner between No. 4 Hamilton City and No. 5 Redding Christian.