Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Zach Harper sets up a pass in St. Joseph-Ogden's home match against Central Catholic on October 1. Harper led the Spartans with another hat trick in their long awaited - and expected - regional title.
ST. ANNE - St. Joseph-Ogden captured its first regional soccer title in over a decade with a commanding 7-2 victory over Watseka on Wednesday, clinching the St. Anne Regional Championship. The Spartans, who hadn’t tasted postseason success since 2012, are in the midst of a remarkable season, improving their record to 22-2-1 and extending their current win streak to 15 games.
The Spartans displayed their balanced offensive attack once again, led by Zach Harper, who scored a hat trick and added an assist. Harper’s relentless playmaking has been a cornerstone of St. Joseph-Ogden’s dominance this season, and his performance against Watseka proved vital. Yadi Acosta contributed two goals to the Spartans' cause, while Alex Acosta and Tyler Hess each added a goal, with Hess also registering an assist. Logan Mills played the role of facilitator with two assists, and goalkeeper Jaxson Colvin made seven saves on nine shots to anchor the defense.
Despite Watseka's spirited effort in the first half, which saw them score two goals, the Spartans carried a 3-2 lead into halftime. St. Joseph-Ogden’s ability to control possession and create opportunities through its well-organized midfield and clinical finishing proved too much for Watseka to handle. The second half was all Spartans, as they rattled off four unanswered goals to seal the victory.
Tyler Hess attacks the Central Catholic goal looking for a solo shot or open teammate to send the ball. Hess, who is a quiet force behind SJO's dominant offense, scored one goal and notched an assist in his team's first regional title in 12 years.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Watseka, who struggled against St. Joseph-Ogden in their previous meeting earlier this month—an 8-0 shutout—fought valiantly to stay within striking distance in the first half. However, they were ultimately overwhelmed by the Spartans’ tactical adjustments and superior depth. Wednesday’s match marked St. Joseph-Ogden’s 15th consecutive win, a streak bolstered by 14 shutouts throughout the season.
As the final whistle blew, the Spartans celebrated their long-awaited regional title, a moment that seemed increasingly likely as they breezed through the Illini Prairie Conference without dropping a match. Now, with a regional championship under their belts, St. Joseph-Ogden turns its attention to the Monticello Class 1A sectional semifinals, where they will face a formidable opponent in Normal University.
The Spartans' upcoming match against Normal University will be a significant test. The Pioneers, with a 20-5-1 record, finished the regular season with an undefeated 7-0-1 mark in the highly competitive Central State Eight Conference. They boast wins over Sacred Heart Griffin, Quincy Notre Dame, and all five Big Twelve Conference schools on their schedule. Known for their defensive discipline and midfield control, Normal University will pose a unique challenge for St. Joseph-Ogden, whose high-powered offense has made quick work of most opponents this season.
Saturday’s clash at noon will not only test St. Joseph-Ogden’s ability to maintain their scoring prowess but also how they manage against a team with the caliber of Normal University’s defense. While the Spartans have largely been dominant, outscoring opponents by wide margins, Normal University’s balanced approach could force them to adapt their strategy. The Spartans' success may hinge on their ability to break down a defense that has held its own against some of the state’s top programs.
Steven Newman keeps the ball away from two Blue Ridge players during SJO's home match on September 16. Newman, a sophomore, and the Spartans made quick work of the Knights in the 9-0 shutout.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
With the Spartans riding high on confidence and momentum, the stage is set for an intense matchup that could determine the trajectory of St. Joseph-Ogden’s playoff run. As they seek their first sectional title since their 2012 campaign, the Spartans will need to rely on the consistency and leadership of players like Harper, the Acosta brothers, and Hess, who have been key contributors throughout the season.
For a team that has consistently found the back of the net and controlled matches with superior tactics, St. Joseph-Ogden’s success against Normal University will likely depend on whether they can replicate the offensive precision that has been their hallmark. If they continue to perform at this level, the Spartans could very well extend their remarkable season even further.
St. Joseph-Ogden’s triumph over Watseka represents not only the end of a long postseason drought but also the beginning of a promising path deeper into the playoffs. With a talented roster and a winning mentality, the Spartans look poised to make a serious run at a state title.
Keywords: St. Joseph-Ogden soccer regional championship, SJO vs Watseka soccer, Illinois Class 1A sectional soccer, St. Joseph-Ogden high school soccer, Normal University vs SJO soccer playoff
