ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Fernando Hernandez

Southwestern Randolph, boys’ soccer

Hernandez has been the leading scorer for the Cougars, who’ll play in the Class 2A state final.

Southwestern Randolph meets Clinton for the state championship Friday night at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in Matthews.

Hernandez, a junior forward, had racked up 48 goals through the early rounds of the state playoffs. He also rated second among Southwestern Randolph players with 24 assists.

He’s on a similar pace as last season, when he had 49 goals. In 2023, he was named the Offensive Player of the year in the Piedmont Athletic Conference.

Photo: Fernando Hernandez of Southwestern Randolph watches a shot during a game in the state playoffs last week. (PJ Ward-Brown / Randolph Record)