WINSLOW — Adrian Diaz Ramirez scored a hat trick to lead No. 2-seeded Blue Ridge to its first state championship since 2020 in a 5-2 victory over St. Johns on Saturday night.

There were no tricks, only treats on Halloween night for the Yellow Jackets (19-1-2, 3-1-1 East), which claimed the 12th title in program history, tying Salpointe Catholic for the most in state history.

“It’s a surreal moment. I feel like I’m dreaming. It’s been hard work from all the coaches, my teammates,” Ramirez said.

Ramirez kicked the evening off with a goal in the 8th minute to give Blue Ridge a 1-0 lead, but St. Johns (13-5-3) would answer back twice with Alan Tryon’s two scores to give the Redskins a 2-1 lead.

After Kaydn Aguilar tied things up 2-2 in the 38th minute, he added another goal in the 49th minute to give his club the lead for good as Ramirez’ two scores just added to the sweetness that was this day for Blue Ridge.

“It’s been six years since we were able to do this, and we’re glad to take it back home. The boys deserve it. I couldn’t be more proud,” Ramirez said. “I also thank God, he’s the main focus of all this.”

The victory over St. Johns also offered Blue Ridge a little payback as the Redskins defeated them 3-1 on Oct. 22. It was the only loss for the Yellow Jackets this season.

Brian M. Bergner Jr. has covered professional, collegiate and high school sports for more than 20 years. Follow him on X and Instagram at @AzPreps365Brian or on Facebook at @Five2MediaWorks. Have a story idea? Email Brian at bbergner@azpreps365.com.

The Blue Ridge boys soccer team poses for a photo after winning the Fall Soccer State Championships in a 5-2 win over St. Johns on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, in Winslow. (Brian M. Bergner Jr./AzPreps365)