Jaiden Kocak scored a pivotal goal that led Dorman boys lacrosse to their first state championship. The victory marks a significant achievement for the team and its players.
Key points
Jaiden Kocak scored a pivotal goal
Dorman boys lacrosse won their first state championship
The victory is a historic achievement for the team
Kocak is a junior attacker
The win boosts team morale and future prospects
Jaiden KocakDorman lacrosse
How Jaiden Kocak’s goal gave Dorman boys lacrosse first state championship
COLUMBIA — Jaiden Kocak’s palms probably have never been sweatier his whole life.
Still, the junior attacker for Dorman lacrosse held on to his stick as if the outcome of his season hinged on it.
Well, it did.
With nine seconds to go in overtime, Kocak caught the ball and hit a 360 spin as he sent the rubber ball into the net.
The goal might’ve just been the most important of his career. Granted, he hit the winning goal in triple overtime on May 5 in the Upper State finals to send his team to the championship game.
But this goal gave Dorman boys lacrosse something they’ve never had before — a state championship victory, as the Cavaliers defeated Wando 9-8 in the Class 5A-D1 title game on May 9 at Irmo High School.
The Dorman Cavaliers celebrate Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Dorman Cavaliers Colin Courier (10) and Dorman Cavaliers Carter Kish (13) celebrate after a goal Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Q&A
What was the significance of Jaiden Kocak's goal for Dorman lacrosse?
Jaiden Kocak's goal was crucial as it secured Dorman boys lacrosse their first state championship.
Who is Jaiden Kocak and what position does he play?
Jaiden Kocak is a junior attacker for Dorman lacrosse.
How did Dorman boys lacrosse perform in the state championship game?
Dorman boys lacrosse won the state championship, marking a historic achievement for the team.
What does this state championship mean for Dorman lacrosse's future?
Winning the state championship sets a strong foundation for Dorman lacrosse's future success and team morale.
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Dorman Cavaliers Elliott Lane (20) collides with Wando Warriors Quinn Neal (23) Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Dorman Cavaliers Elijah Pitts (16) carries the ball Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Dorman Cavaliers Ben Jurek (21) is defended by Wando Warriors Ryan Jahn (18) Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Dorman Cavaliers Micah Arnold (77) bites his champions medal Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Dorman Cavaliers Anthony Peaks (15) defends Wando Warriors Luca Simbana (5) Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Dorman Cavaliers Carter Kish (13) celebrates after scoring Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
The Dorman Cavaliers celebrate Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
The Dorman Cavaliers celebrate Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Fans cheer Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game between the Dorman Cavaliers and the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Dorman Cavaliers celebrate Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
The Wando Warriors react Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Dorman Cavaliers at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Players go for the ball Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game between the Dorman Cavaliers and the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Wando Warriors Luca Simbana (5) collides with Dorman Cavaliers Anthony Peaks (15) Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Dorman Cavaliers Jaiden Kocak (5), Dorman Cavaliers Nic Lunsford (4) and Dorman Cavaliers Michael Depra (25) hug Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Dorman Cavaliers Jaiden Kocak (5) collides with Wando Warriors Luca Simbana (5) Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Dorman Cavaliers Mason Cheshire (19) passes the ball past Wando Warriors Quinn Neal (23) Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Dorman Cavaliers Colton Anderson (17) celebrates Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Wando Warriors Alex Frye (1) defends Dorman Cavaliers Carter Kish (13) Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Dorman Cavaliers Jamison Porterfield (2) bites his champions medal Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
The Dorman Cavaliers celebrate Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Dorman Cavaliers Holden Flynn (1) runs with the ball Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Dorman Cavaliers Colin Courier (10) passes the ball Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Dorman Cavaliers Jaiden Kocak (5) is defended by Wando Warriors Alex Frye (1) Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Wando Warriors Jason Robinette (19) and Dorman Cavaliers Carter Kish (13) go for the ball Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
The Dorman Cavaliers celebrate after a goal Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Dorman Cavaliers Carter Kish (13) runs with the ball Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
The Dorman Cavaliers celebrate Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Dorman Cavaliers Carter Kish (13) sprints past Wando Warriors Baker Anderson (2) Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Wando Warriors Harris Beck (3) is defended by Dorman Cavaliers Mason Cheshire (19) Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Dorman Cavaliers Ben Jurek (21), Dorman Cavaliers Elliott Lane (20) and Dorman Cavaliers Anthony Peaks (15) celebrate after a goal Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Dorman Cavaliers Ben Jurek (21) defends Wando Warriors Isaac Bittinger (26) Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Players run down field Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game between the Dorman Cavaliers and the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
The Wando Warriors celebrate after a goal Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Dorman Cavaliers at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Dorman Cavaliers Noah Courier (36) runs with the ball Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Wando Warriors Harris Beck (3) is defended by Dorman Cavaliers Mason Cheshire (19) Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Dorman Cavaliers Colton Anderson (17) celebrates with a man in the stands Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
Dorman Cavaliers Jamison Porterfield (2) wears a champions medal Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
The Dorman Cavaliers celebrate Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
The Dorman Cavaliers celebrate Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Dorman Cavaliers Colin Courier (10) and Dorman Cavaliers Carter Kish (13) celebrate after a goal Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Dorman Cavaliers Elliott Lane (20) collides with Wando Warriors Quinn Neal (23) Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Dorman Cavaliers Elijah Pitts (16) carries the ball Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Dorman Cavaliers Ben Jurek (21) is defended by Wando Warriors Ryan Jahn (18) Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Dorman Cavaliers Micah Arnold (77) bites his champions medal Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Dorman Cavaliers Anthony Peaks (15) defends Wando Warriors Luca Simbana (5) Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Dorman Cavaliers Carter Kish (13) celebrates after scoring Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
The Dorman Cavaliers celebrate Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
The Dorman Cavaliers celebrate Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Fans cheer Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game between the Dorman Cavaliers and the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Dorman Cavaliers celebrate Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
The Wando Warriors react Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Dorman Cavaliers at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Players go for the ball Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game between the Dorman Cavaliers and the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Wando Warriors Luca Simbana (5) collides with Dorman Cavaliers Anthony Peaks (15) Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Dorman Cavaliers Jaiden Kocak (5), Dorman Cavaliers Nic Lunsford (4) and Dorman Cavaliers Michael Depra (25) hug Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Dorman Cavaliers Jaiden Kocak (5) collides with Wando Warriors Luca Simbana (5) Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Dorman Cavaliers Mason Cheshire (19) passes the ball past Wando Warriors Quinn Neal (23) Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Dorman Cavaliers Colton Anderson (17) celebrates Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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Wando Warriors Alex Frye (1) defends Dorman Cavaliers Carter Kish (13) Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Dorman Cavaliers Jamison Porterfield (2) bites his champions medal Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
The Dorman Cavaliers celebrate Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Dorman Cavaliers Holden Flynn (1) runs with the ball Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Dorman Cavaliers Colin Courier (10) passes the ball Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Dorman Cavaliers Jaiden Kocak (5) is defended by Wando Warriors Alex Frye (1) Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Wando Warriors Jason Robinette (19) and Dorman Cavaliers Carter Kish (13) go for the ball Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
The Dorman Cavaliers celebrate after a goal Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Dorman Cavaliers Carter Kish (13) runs with the ball Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
The Dorman Cavaliers celebrate Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Dorman Cavaliers Carter Kish (13) sprints past Wando Warriors Baker Anderson (2) Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Wando Warriors Harris Beck (3) is defended by Dorman Cavaliers Mason Cheshire (19) Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Dorman Cavaliers Ben Jurek (21), Dorman Cavaliers Elliott Lane (20) and Dorman Cavaliers Anthony Peaks (15) celebrate after a goal Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Dorman Cavaliers Ben Jurek (21) defends Wando Warriors Isaac Bittinger (26) Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Players run down field Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game between the Dorman Cavaliers and the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
The Wando Warriors celebrate after a goal Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Dorman Cavaliers at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Dorman Cavaliers Noah Courier (36) runs with the ball Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Wando Warriors Harris Beck (3) is defended by Dorman Cavaliers Mason Cheshire (19) Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Dorman Cavaliers Colton Anderson (17) celebrates with a man in the stands Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
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See our best photos as Dorman boys lacrosse wins state championship
Dorman Cavaliers Jamison Porterfield (2) wears a champions medal Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the SHCSL 5A D1 boys lacrosse state championship game against the Wando Warriors at Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Dorman won 9-8 in overtime.
“I saw the ball in the air, I caught it, and my first thought was to just shoot it as quick as possible,” Kocak said. “I was definitely nervous. Even though you practice things like that a million times, and go through these scenarios, you never want to be the one to mess up. And I’m glad I wasn’t.
“Overall, this feels amazing. A literal dream come true.”
Kocak is a newcomer to the Cavaliers. He transferred in this season from Boiling Springs — ironically, the team Dorman defeated by a point in last year’s Upper State Championship.
“I couldn’t be any prouder of Jaiden,” said Jon Cak, Jaiden’s grandfather. “He came into Dorman as the new guy, and all his teammates accepted him. He was allowed to play openly and freely. And guess what? It all paid off.”
Despite the competitiveness and tension throughout the game, the one person who wasn’t nervous was Dorman coach Peter Mezzanotte.
“Nope, not at all,” Mezzanotte said when asked if he felt anxious in the final seconds of the game. “We knew if we kept watering that seed, it was going to grow. That’s exactly what happened at the end of the game for us, and I couldn’t be more excited about it.”
Dorman was privy to the pregame chatter around the Upstate. Last season, the Cavaliers fell to Wando in an 18-1 blowout in the state championship game. Nobody thought they had a real shot to win it all this season.
“After the loss these kids took last year in this game, they surely had to hear about it,” Dorman athletic director Jon Stoehr said. “And not just from the lacrosse world, but from classmates, teammates, friends . . . And coming back here, they certainly heard more about how this probably wasn’t going to be a good game from a lot of people.
“And to see how these kids didn’t let that get to them and stick together, it says a lot about the culture of this team and coaching staff. I’m super proud and elated that they’ve now been rewarded for doing everything the right way.”
Sophomore midfielder Colin Courier scored the goal that sent the game to overtime. He vividly remembers last season’s devastating loss to Wando, and in hindsight, he doesn’t regret the experience.
“I can’t explain how great it feels to prove everyone wrong,” he said. “Last year was a learning experience. And this year, we learned how to win. To all our doubters . . . keep doubting. It’s only going to make our wins that much better.”
Kamryn Jackson covers high school and college sports for the Spartanburg Herald-Journal, Greenville News,Anderson Independent Mail, and the USA TODAY Network. Please email her at KEJackson@gannett.com and follow her on X @KamxJack (formerly Twitter).
