Previewing the varsity boys soccer state championships

Boys soccer state championships at Loyola Maryland's Ridley Athletic Complex

Game to Watch

No. 4 Mount Hebron (16-1) vs. Urbana (18-1)

What: Class 3A final

When: Thursday, 5 p.m.

Outlook: The Vikings have finally arrived. Fielding highly competitive teams the previous four seasons, Mount Hebron had each end in penalty kicks trying to get out of the tough East region. After claiming their second straight Howard County championship, the Vikings finally cleared the regional playoff hurdle and then blanked Towson, 1-0, in the state semifinals to make their first title game appearance since 2011. They have three titles with the most recent coming in 2006. A fourth crown won't come easy with Frederick County-based Urbana sure to pose a difficult challenge. Both teams have plenty of offensive firepower with plenty of contributors. The Vikings like to go through All-Metro senior midfielder Johnny Linsenmeyer, who can score and distribute, and makes smart decisions with the ball. Jacob Parrott, Michael Yacynych, Vince Broccolino and Trevor Namie, who scored the game-winner against Towson midway through the second half in Saturday's semifinal, have all shown an ability to produce. The Hawks, who won their only title in 2013, are equally balanced with Trent Tarnstrom their leading scorer. Goalie play will be big with Torey Jones in net for the Vikings and Riley Barry handling the chore for Urbana.

Other boys soccer state title games

• Class 4A: No. 5 Bel Air (14-4-1) vs. Walter Johnson (16-1), Friday, 5 p.m.

• Class 1A: Pikesville (4-7-1) vs. Pocomoke (12-4), Saturday, 2:30 p.m.

• Class 2A: No. 10 Fallston (15-3) vs. Middletown (18-1), Saturday, 5 p.m.