The plan to repeat as state champions is following the script that the Tigers wrote coming into the season.

They have remained undefeated, and have now captured both the Colonial League and District 11 championships.

Now, the script calls for just four more wins for them to become two-time PIAA champions.

Northwestern (23-0-0) will have a home game in the first round of states against Conwell Egan, who come into the first round of the PIAA tournament with a record of 11-5-0.

As a side story to the game itself is senior Matt Johnson’s pursuit of the 100-career goal mark. After districts, Johnson needs just one more goal to reach the milestone.

Throughout the season, he has downplayed his personal accomplishments in favor of focusing on the team’s success and repeating as a state champion.

“This program is amazing. This is my fourth year, and this is my fourth straight district title with them. I could not ask for a better group of guys,” said Johnson. “We’re getting closer and closer, and we had to take two steps on the way and get those [league and district medals]. Now we go for that repeat.”

Conwell Egan will have to find a way to battle Johnson’s speed and ball-handling abilities if it’s going to find a way to advance. Should it be able to contain Johnson, there are still five other Tigers who scored double-digit goals this season.

The Northwestern offense has eclipsed last year’s program record of 127 goals by scoring 142 this season. The defense has allowed just 14 goals, just off last year’s total of 13.

Last season, the Tigers defeated Masterman High School in the opening round, and it came down to Masterman and Conwell Egan for the District 12 championship this time around. Conwell Egan won the District 12 title, eliminating the potential rematch from a year ago. Instead, the Tigers will face a different team, one they aren’t familiar with.

“At this stage of the game, it’s win or go home so the message every day, every minute, every play is that every play is the most important play, and you have to maintain your level of focus,” said Northwestern head coach Nate Hunsicker. “I tell them before every league game, every district game to treat it like it’s your last game and don’t take anything for granted.

“Obviously, as a senior you know the championship game is your last, but for underclassmen, you never know when you will find yourself in this situation again, so capitalize on it, make the most of the moment.”

Nate Kinzel is part of the defensive unit that has limited opponent’s scoring this season, and is excited to defend the state championship.

“I am excited about having the chance to defend the title from last season,” said Kinzel. “All the guys on our defense have really good relationships with each other and communicate really well.

“Our defense really just locks it down back there, and everyone else helps the defense. The wingbacks defend well and even the strikers, so it’s just a good team effort.”

For the seniors, their high school careers may continue, but win or lose, Tuesday night will be their last game at Tigers Stadium.

The perfect scenario for Northwestern is to see Johnson get his 100th goal in front of the home fans, and for the seniors to leave the field for the last time as winners.