The Hunter side defeated Sydney North in the final on penalties 4-2 after a goalless game. Keeper Jack Kenny was the star in the shootout, slotting the first penalty for Hunter then saving another.

"The boys had probably three or four really good chances and there was one that was cleared off the line," Jovanovski said.

"We had a few scary moments from them, but they never really got in behind us and created a one-on-one chance, so defensively the boys were outstanding.

"Coming into penalties, our keeper and captain Jack Kenny said to the boys, 'you get all your penalties and I'll win this game for us'."

The championship was Hunter's first at the boys' tournament since 1977 and came after 11 losses in the final. Jovanovski, who has coached the side off and on since 2005, had experienced three defeats in the decider and he called on his team to break the drought.

"We spoke about that before the game and that's what got us over the line," he said.

"I normally don't speak about it, but I thought whatever I've done in the past, I'm going to do different. I said to them, it's there for us to create history. And they kept saying that during breaks, '44 years boys, c'mon, let's do it'.

"It meant something to me and all our kids and they demonstrated it. Come finals day when they've played a few games, it takes a bit more than tactics. You've got to want it and they created a memory they will remember for the rest of their lives.

"It was awesome and a highlight in my football career, and to share it with this great group of young blokes was just outstanding.

"We were the best team there. Other teams had some amazing players, but as a team, we were the best team."

Hunter beat Sydney South West 1-0, Riverina 6-0, North Coast 4-2 and Sydney West 4-0 to make the final.

Hunter defender Patrick Bond was named player of the final. He made the NSW CHS first team along with midfielder Milo Bisogni and Kenny. Will Ingram, Isaac Collins, Otto Schwarz, Nicholas Kacev and James Cresnar made the second side which will also play at the NSW All Schools titles.

Hunter: Jack Kenny, Will Ingram, Otto Schwarz (Hunter Sports), Jaegger Wholert (Singleton), Patrick Bond, Charlie Kelly (Newcastle), James Cresnar, Ethan Gilmore (Whitebridge), Lachlan West, Nicholas Kacev (Merewether), Isaac Collins (Maitland Grossman), Mason King (Callaghan College, Wallsend), Milo Bisogni (Warners Bay), Angus McLeod (Kotara), Riley Parker (Lambton).

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