How 18 seniors, lifelong bond delivered Southside boys soccer its first state title

HUNTSVILLE — It’s unclear if their faces were soaked by the rain or covered with tears of joy.In reality, it was probably a mix of both after what Southside boys soccer accomplished on Saturday, May 10.

Through a driving rainstorm at John Hunt Park that seemed to intensify as the game went on, the moment that the 18 seniors have been dreaming of since they were little came finally arrived. Southside boys soccer sat atop the state as AHSAA Class 6A champions. Suddenly, nothing else mattered, including that pesky rain storm that soaked all in attendance down to the bone. The final score, a 2-0 win over Spanish Fort, was really a culmination of 18 years' worth of soccer.

For most of the Panthers, that journey started in the Coosa League. In an almost full circle moment, coach Randy Vice saw a Facebook memory pop up of four players on his current team winning the under-six league title from back in the day ahead of the Final Four matchup on Thursday.

"They've been playing together off and on, most of these young men, since they were six," Vice noted after the Final Four.

Vice has coached most of them in that span as well, whether it be school ball, youth league or as part of Alabama Rush. It helps that his own son, Grant, is one of those 18 seniors, so he was usually around in some capacity. While with Rush and other local youth leagues, Vice coached alongside Bill Martin, who died in a car accident on Election night in 2024.

In a twist of fate, Vestavia Hills girls soccer, another program with ties to Martin, won a state title at the same time on the opposite field Saturday.

Martin coached or trained each member of the Panthers' starting 11 for the title game. They broke their postgame huddle by calling out his name.

"I think he's smiling down on us," Vice said. "... Every starter on the field tonight, at one time or another, has been affected by Bill Martin and what he did with Rush soccer."

"Best player in the state"

Camren Thompson has been on a tear this postseason, playing like a man on a mission to deliver a state title in his senior season. He had a hat trick in each of the first four rounds, and while he didn't score in the title game, he forced Spanish Fort to double or triple team him most possessions.

Thompson, who earned Gadsden Times Player of the Year honors last season, has consistently earned high praise from him coach. After his golden goal in the semifinal on Thursday, Vice added some more.

"On the eighth day God created Camren," Vice quipped Thursday. "Best player in the state of Alabama, he makes coaching easy

Thompson was rendered speechless when asked what this all meant to him after the game.

"Amazing, I can't even put my joy into words," Thompson said. "Ever since I was in high school, this is all I wanted to do. This feels so good to do in my last game with Southside. I love this team so much."

"Worth a million wins"

While the state title is meaningful for the Vice family, the bond between father and son is worth more than any Blue Map Trophy. For Grant, he's been able to play for who he called his best friend the last few years.

"He means the world to me. He's my best friend. I love going to eat with him," Grant said. "This man means the world to me, I wouldn't trade him for any other father. He's the greatest father of all time."

Dad was standing right next to son when he said that, tears rolling out of his eyes as the two embraced with a bear hug.

"To hear my son say the things that he said, is worth a million wins to me," Randy said.

The two shared a special moment postgame. After the players ran to the stands and Randy fell to his knees as relief and more tears crossed his face, Grant gave him another big hug before the trophy ceremony started.

"You can never do that enough with your kids," Randy said.

Grant had been battling back pain ahead of the season, putting his last chance to bring dad a state title in jeopardy. He persevered through all the pain and struggles that came with, it all becoming worth it with a simple hug.

"To bring home a title for dad knowing ― he's been grinding for almost 40 years now. It's the greatest feeling on planet Earth, there's nothing like it," Grant said. "...This is one of the greatest days of my life."