Pires' header sends Bulldogs to first SJS title game since 2019

Turlock High boys soccer team advances to section championship match with 1-0 overtime win over Oak Ridge

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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For the second straight match, 80 minutes was not enough time to settle the score at Joe Debeley Stadium. And for the consecutive playoff contest, the added minutes did not faze the Turlock High School boys soccer team, as more late heroics earned the Bulldogs a spot in this weekend's section championship game.

Why it matters

Turlock High's boys soccer team is returning to the Sac-Joaquin Section championship game for the first time since 2019, when they fell to Jesuit (Carmichael) by a 3-0 score. This is a significant achievement for the program and the community, as they look to capture their first section title in seven years.

The details

In the 88th minute of Thursday's Sac-Joaquin Section Division I semifinal against No. 8 Oak Ridge, the No. 4 Bulldogs broke a scoreless tie on a corner kick connection between seniors Sebastian Chahal and Keegan Pires. Chahal delivered the ball right in front of the net, and Pires lifted himself high above Oak Ridge defenders to header the ball past the goalkeeper, setting off an emotional sidelines celebration.

  • In the 88th minute of Thursday's semifinal match, Keegan Pires scored the game-winning goal for Turlock High.
  • Turlock High last reached the section championship game in 2019, when they fell to Jesuit (Carmichael) by a 3-0 score.

The players

Keegan Pires

A senior at Turlock High School who scored the game-winning goal in the semifinal match against Oak Ridge, sending the Bulldogs to the section championship game.

Sebastian Chahal

A senior at Turlock High School who delivered the corner kick that led to Pires' game-winning header.

Jose Alonso Garcia

The head coach of the Turlock High School boys soccer team, who praised his players for making the right decisions at the right moments.

Kevin Ramirez

The senior goalkeeper for Turlock High School, who made four saves to help preserve the 1-0 victory over Oak Ridge.

Davis Blue Devils

The No. 2 seed who will face Turlock High in the section championship game on Saturday.

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What they’re saying

“Honestly, I just made my run, and Sebastian's ball was perfect. I put my head there and it went in, and it was the best time of my life, right there. It was just so crazy to have so many people mobbing me, hitting me during the celebration… It's an amazing feeling to be going to the finals.”

— Keegan Pires, Turlock High School senior (The Journal)

“I just stepped up, wanted to take it and we got the result. I knew I could do good. I knew that Keegan could header that in from in front, and he did. I felt a good connection with the ball and everything worked out from there.”

— Sebastian Chahal, Turlock High School senior (The Journal)

“Today was one of those days where Sebastian felt comfortable. He went and took it, and that was the outcome. We give our players the opportunity to be leaders out there, and that's what we love about this group. Every one of them, they make the correct decisions at the right moments.”

— Jose Alonso Garcia, Turlock High School head coach (The Journal)

“When we went to overtime, the only thing I was thinking was that we had to win this. All our focus was on scoring. I thought all our positions were good. Being in these intense situations, it's just about having confidence in yourself, my teammates and our coaches. It's about making sure we're all together and playing united. I think that's what has gotten us through these games, the family, the unity and the confidence we have in each other.”

— Kevin Ramirez, Turlock High School senior goalkeeper (The Journal)

What’s next

Saturday will mark Turlock's first appearance in the championship game since 2019, when they fell to Jesuit (Carmichael) by a 3-0 score. The Bulldogs will face the No. 2 seeded Davis Blue Devils in the title match, slated for 7 p.m. from Cosumnes River College in Elk Grove.

The takeaway

This game showcases the resilience and determination of the Turlock High boys soccer team, who have fought their way back to the section championship game for the first time in seven years. Their ability to win close, high-stakes matches in overtime demonstrates the team's strong chemistry and leadership, which will be crucial as they look to capture their first section title since 2019.