Dobie High School soccer team set for state finals matchup

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A pep rally and a secret guest set the tone for the Dobie High School boys soccer team Thursday afternoon. The Longhorns will play in the state finals game on Friday against Sam Houston Arlington.

All season long, nothing caught the team by surprise. But when Houston Dynamo legend Brian Ching came in the room, they were surprised and shocked.

"He is a true legend. I remember being a small kid and going to the Houston Dynamo games," center forward Sabino Lozano said.

"I'm really excited for Dobie High School," Ching added. "I've heard stories about these guys believing in themselves, and playing as a team, and I hope they come back and bring the state championship back to Houston."

Dobie has done a good job all year to block out the noise, but the volume at Thursday's pep rally was exactly what the team needed before they left for Georgetown.

"It is an amazing honor to represent our school like this," Alejandro Flores said.

The Longhorns have a tradition of bleaching their hair blond in the playoffs, but don't expect Coach Manrique to do it.

"The hair is long gone," said Manrique. "I'm the elder of the tribe, so I'll sit back and admire."

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