Six central Ohio high school boys soccer teams are punching their tickets to the state tournament, and get this: the area is already locked in for at least one finalist. That’s right, before the semifinals even kick off, we know a central Ohio squad is playing for the big trophy. It’s an absolutely wild run for these teams, and the drama is already at an all-time high.
Dublin Jerome and St. Charles: A State Final Lock
The biggest news from the regional finals on November 8? Defending Division I state champion Dublin Jerome, sitting at an impressive 18-2-1, is set to clash with St. Charles, who boasts a strong 17-3-1 record. These two powerhouses will face off in a state semifinal on November 11 at 7 p.m. at Olentangy. Why is this such a big deal? Because it means central Ohio automatically gets a team in the Division I final on November 15 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, no matter what. St. Charles isn’t new to this stage either; they are making their fourth consecutive state tournament appearance. Talk about consistency! Dublin Jerome took down Cincinnati Sycamore 3-2 in their regional final, while St. Charles edged out Olentangy Orange 3-2. These teams are clearly ready to leave it all on the field.
Defending Champions Return and New Challengers Emerge
The Division I matchup isn’t the only story here. Central Ohio is bringing the heat across multiple divisions. New Albany is advancing in Division II after a tight 2-1 win over Westerville North. Plus, we’ve got two more defending state champions back in the mix: Watterson in Division III and Worthington Christian in Division IV. Watterson absolutely dominated their regional final, beating Bexley 4-0, showing they mean business with an 18-3-1 record. Worthington Christian (17-3-2) also punched their ticket with a 2-1 victory against Findlay Liberty-Benton. Not to be forgotten, Fairbanks is making waves in Division V, crushing Berlin Hiland 4-1 in their regional final, bringing their record to an incredible 20-2. It’s clear these teams are on a mission, proving they are legitimate contenders for state glory.
The Road Ahead: Semifinals and State Finals
All the state semifinals are slated for 7 p.m. on November 11. Dublin Jerome and St. Charles are set for their Division I showdown, with the winner moving to the final on November 15. New Albany (9-4-4) goes up against Brecksville-Broadview Heights in Division II, looking to secure their spot in the November 16 final. Watterson (18-3-1) takes on Avon Lake in Division III, hoping to keep their title defense alive for the November 16 final. Worthington Christian (17-3-2) battles Zanesville West Muskingum in Division IV, with the final set for November 15. And in Division V, Fairbanks (20-2) faces off against Xenia Legacy Christian (21-1-1), with the winner playing for the championship on November 15. The stakes could not be higher, and we’re about to see some incredible high school soccer battles go down. Get ready, because the state championship picture is about to get much clearer.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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