Students lined the halls of Chicopee Woods Elementary School after lunchtime Thursday holding handmade signs and banners. One read “You’re my hero” and another said “You’re the best in the world.”

The youngsters welcomed and cheered loudly for the Johnson High boys soccer team ahead of its 2:30 p.m. Saturday Class AAAA state title matchup with St. Pius X at Mercer University in Macon. As the players walked down the halls, they were all smiles and high-fived their young fans.

“We’ve had some great moments this season,” Johnson coach Brian Shirley said. “But man, the smiles on their faces walking up and down these halls was almost bigger than any victory we’ve had this season.”

Junior Gonzalez, a senior left mid, said it was like a dream come true seeing kids look up to him and support his team.

“We have an amazing community,” Gonzalez said. “And they always support us, even in our worst times.”

After being serenaded with chants of “Go Johnson!” in the hallways, the players split in to different classrooms to answer questions about soccer and give advice on keeping up with schoolwork.

“It’s phenomenal,” Shirley said. “A lot of our kids went through Chicopee Woods, and they have a connection here to begin with.”

One student asked if the players get mad when they lose. They said yes, but one well-versed Chicopee Woods student piped up and pointed out “but they haven’t lost.” Johnson has 20 wins, no losses and one tie this season.

To close out its visit to Chicopee Woods, the Johnson team played soccer with the kids.