They went into the gym during the summer with very specific instructions. They were told to look at the banner for 30 seconds.

If any of Donegal’s boys soccer players were unaware of how long it has been since the team won a section championship, they were officially informed.

The drought dates to consecutive titles in 1987 and 1988. One more win and the wait is over.

Donegal took a massive step toward that dream when it stopped Manheim Central 2-0 in a Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3 game at Mount Joy Tuesday.

Mason Musser remembered what it felt like to learn a little about his school’s history.

“It kind of hit,” the junior said. “We’ve got the talent. We’ve got the chemistry. Let’s make it happen right now. Why not?”

Donegal (7-1-1 L-L, 10-3-2) moved ahead of Central (7-2, 11-3-1) and into first place. The Indians can clinch the title by beating Octorara at home on Senior Night Thursday.

The team in Kelly green has three ingredients every championship unit needs. A great scorer in Musser. A great center back in Drew Horst. A great goalie in Riley Patrick. Coach Andy Wagner said his lineup is “good down the spine.”

Musser and Horst changed the scoreboard and Patrick posted a clean sheet. Musser scored his 14th goal in the fifth minute. Horst put home his fifth goal in the 29th minute. That was enough to end Central’s seven-game winning streak.

Only five L-L players have scored more times than Musser. His tally against Central showed why. The striker took a pass from Kaedin Cote and created space with one deft touch. Then he was 1-on-1 against the keeper.

“He’s got a quick step and he’s a lefty,” Horst said. “No one’s usually expecting a left-footed player. Once he gets past you, he’s got the skill to finish the ball.”

Horst padded the lead with a free kick from 19 yards. Not many center backs are given an opportunity from that spot on the field.

Donegal’s top defender brings the type of technical talent one usually sees in a forward. The junior placed his attempt into the upper right corner.

“As soon as I shot that, I knew it was going in,” Horst said. “I’ve hit a lot of free kicks and they usually don’t feel like that one. That one felt really special.”

Musser, no stranger to discovering exciting ways to put the ball into the net, watched Horst’s delivery in admiration.

“I thought it was outstanding,” Musser said. “I thought he was gonna go for finesse. But he took it like a true winger would and he just pelted it.”

Donegal went 2-15 two seasons ago. The Indians jumped to nine wins and qualified for the District 3 Class 3A tournament last year. It was an important step forward. One that Wagner saw as a sign.

“That’s not the normal progression,” the coach said. “So last year, this team really came together. Making that jump, I knew I had something special.”

Donegal worked out three times a week during the summer. Two training sessions and one alumni scrimmage on Friday nights. All at the stadium it calls home. About 30 players showed up for each of those workouts.

The buy-in was there. The results followed.

Life was different in 1988. Quieter. Quainter. Hit songs could only be found on cassette tapes and the radio. Donegal had no idea it could take 38 years until its soccer program was back in the high life again.

Wagner, a 1986 grad, said he returned to his alma mater in 2009 for what he called “unfinished business.” There were times it looked like it might not happen.

“I never gave up,” Wagner said. “If you ask anybody that knows me, I’m so competitive. If you give me a challenge, I’m gonna take it straight on.”

After they knocked off Central, Donegal’s players trotted across the field and squinted into the setting fall sun as they saluted their family and friends. They want to take that same celebratory jog after their final league game.

One more win. That’s all Donegal needs to update its banner.