Oakwood-Salt Fork's Saul Carrillo (right) challenges St. Joseph-Ogden's Steven Newman for possession during their season opener at Dick Duval Field at St. Joseph-Ogden High School on August 26. Carrillo's second half boot on Saturday against the Cornjerkers punched his team's ticket into the regional title game this week.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Key Players and Statistics
Carrillo’s second-half goal was a standout moment, but Oakwood-Salt Fork’s offense throughout the season has been led by senior Ethan Merritt, who has scored an impressive 30 goals. Freshman Mason Swartz, a versatile forward and midfielder, has contributed 18 goals, while senior striker Macen Phillips has also been a reliable force up front.
Despite not getting on the scoresheet in the semifinal, Merritt and Phillips were key in creating chances, helping the Comets maintain pressure on Hoopeston’s defense.
Hoopeston Area’s offensive opportunities were limited, with only three shots on target. The Cornjerkers, who finished fifth in the Vermilion Valley Conference (VVC), struggled to find any clear-cut chances against a well-organized Comets defense.
Record-Breaking Season for the Comets
The victory marked Oakwood-Salt Fork’s 21st win of the season, breaking the program's previous record for most wins in a single campaign. The Comets completed a flawless 12-0 run in the VVC during the regular season and have carried that momentum into the postseason.
After a 2-0 loss in their final regular-season game against Fisher-Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley on October 8, the Comets have rebounded with two consecutive victories in the regional tournament. Prior to that defeat, they had been riding a 12-match win streak, and now, with back-to-back wins, Oakwood-Salt Fork appears to have regained its rhythm at a critical time.
Looking Ahead
With the semifinal victory, Oakwood-Salt Fork advances to the IHSA Regional Championship, where they will face Georgetown-Ridge Farm on October 24 at 4 p.m. The Comets will look to continue their historic run and secure a regional title as they head into the next stage of the playoffs.
Hoopeston Area, meanwhile, sees their season come to an end after a challenging year in which they finished 8-17-0 overall.
As the Comets prepare for their next test, they’ll rely on their depth and resilience to push further in the playoffs, while continuing to chase their ultimate goal of a state title.
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