SALINAS >> As a players ran onto the field to celebrate, head coach Miguel Vidauri savored the moment, perhaps thinking back 17 years to when he was that jubilant player for Gonzales High.

Sports programs at Gonzales have won just two high school section championships over the years, both of them in soccer. Vidauri has been a member of both those championship squads — as a player and now a head coach.

“Winning it as a coach is a little more special,” Vidauri said. “I wanted to bring this winning mentality back to these boys, just as how I was taught by Juan Flores. I wanted to bring that winning tradition back to Gonzales.”

Mission accomplished.

The Spartans used a pair of goals from Jorge Uribe to capture the program’s first Central Coast Section title since 2008 with a 2-1 win over Pioneer of San Jose in the Division IV championships at Alvarez High.

“It’s a lot of emotion I’m feeling,” Vidauri said. “I don’t know what else to say. I’m at a loss for words. It was such a blessing to win this again. I’m thankful for the players who believed from Day 1 and for everyone that has had a part in this.”

Unlike the last section title Gonzales captured, this one extends its season as it will be seeded into the Northern California playoffs, which begin on Tuesday.

“None of this is sinking in,” said Uribe, who has 25 goals this year. “It likely won’t hit me until later — perhaps when we’re practicing on Monday.”

While the Spartans practice on campus, the last two years have seen all of their games played on the road as renovations to their stadium and field near completion.

“Last year we were in the same boat,” Uribe said. “But the fans always show up and support us. Even away games feel like home matches.”

Not only did Gonzales (18-3-2) bring what looked like half the community to the title match, but the band showed up to provide an extra boost, providing an electric atmosphere.

“This was a dream come true,” Vidauri said. “I don’t know when it will sink in. Maybe later tonight. I can’t explain the feeling. Oh my god, players were jumping on our goalie. Coaches were hugging each other.”

The Spartans, who have won 11 straight matches, produced a goal in the opening minutes when Uribe headed one into the net off a pass from Ulisses Macias.

“I think to be honest, we didn’t want to score early,” Vidauri said. “We tend to get comfortable. That’s when Pioneer settled down and countered with a goal to tie it before half.”

Overtime appeared to be a possibility until Uribe put the game-winning goal through the back of the net with a scissors kick with 12 minutes remaining.

“At that point, I’m thinking let’s secure the game and manage the game,” Uribe said. “Don’t make any mistakes, do not take any risks.”

A defense anchored by Omar Gonzalez, Luis Benavides and George Lara shut down the No. 8 seeded Mustangs, who upset No. 1 seed Palma and No. 4 Greenfield to reach the title game.

“The players eagerness to win gave us a higher edge,” Vidauri said. “We were able to manage their physicality. Pioneer played really well.”

Goalie Luis Cabada, who is closing in on 100 saves, added eight more for the Spartans, who won their first Cypress Division title in seven years.

“Crazy to think the last time Gonzales won the title, our coach was playing, and I wasn’t born,” Uribe laughed.