SPEEDING PAST — Big Red’s Landon Bowers races past John Marshall’s Sam Keyser and Austin Bumgardner during Thursday’s OVAC semifinal match at Harding Stadium. – Andrew Grimm
### Steubenville’s Path to the OVAC Championship
On a thrilling Thursday evening, the Big Red boys soccer team showcased their prowess by advancing to the OVAC championship game for the first time since their triumphant 2020 victory. Competing in the Class 5A semifinals at Harding Stadium, Big Red achieved a decisive 4-0 win over the tenacious John Marshall team. This match was a significant step forward for Big Red, who faced their opponents after a considerable gap since their previous encounter.
### Strategic Focus Amidst Rivalry
Big Red’s head coach, Greg Bowers, addressed the importance of maintaining focus against a rival team that has shown notable momentum this season. “It’s a challenge any time you’ve played a team already,” he explained, acknowledging his team’s previous victory over John Marshall. Bowers expressed concern over a possible letdown but emphasized that his players entered with a strong focus and determination to win. After experiencing a letdown in a prior match against Beaver Local, reminders at halftime about the need to secure the lead reinforced their commitment to finishing strong in the match.
### Key Players Shine Bright
The match saw a standout performance from Cole Bowers, who netted a hat trick and delivered a crucial assist, contributing significantly to the team’s success. His brother, Landon Bowers, also made his mark on the game, scoring one of the four goals. This family duo, known for their dynamic play, continues to lead the team both on and off the field. Other key players included Tad Loot, Gabe Martin, and Drew Stimpert, each contributing with assists, while goalie JJ Lamantia firmly held the backline with five saves, earning a well-deserved shutout.
### The Road Ahead: Meeting Wheeling Park
With the victory securing their place in the title match, Big Red will face the top-seeded Wheeling Park at noon on Saturday. Their previous encounter with the Patriots earlier this season resulted in a heavy 5-0 loss. However, Coach Bowers remains optimistic, highlighting that the team gained valuable insights from that match. “We have some things to clean up,” he noted, underscoring the team’s readiness to improve and put their best foot forward in a high-stakes championship setting.
### John Marshall’s Journey and Growth
While the Monarchs faced disappointment in the semifinals, they have made significant strides this season. Coach Strope praised his squad for their resilience and effort throughout the match, noting their progress from an earlier defeat against Big Red. “They didn’t give up,” he remarked, emphasizing how his team’s ability to stay composed and fight through tough situations marks a turning point in their approach.
### Looking Ahead for the Monarchs
Despite the setback, John Marshall is determined to build on their experiences, especially as they prepare for regional competition next week. Coach Strope is hopeful that facing a physically demanding team like Big Red will prove beneficial in the postseason as it prepares his players for future challenges. The Monarchs, with eight saves from goalie Tripp Bonds, now look to regain momentum in regular season play next week with an upcoming match against Morgantown.
UP THE FIELD — Big Red’s Drew Stimpert advances the ball in front of John Marshall’s Cash McLendon during Thursday’s OVAC semifinal. – Andrew Grimm