Blue Devils Crowned District Champs
BY FABRIZIO GOWDY | FEB. 11, 2021 | SPORTS
The Stanton College Preparatory School varsity boys soccer team defeated the Orange Park High School Raiders 3-0 Wednesday, continuing its recent dominance FHSAA Region 5A District 2.
In the semifinals on Feb. 5, top-seeded Stanton defeated Middleburg High School 7-0, while Orange Park knocked off second overall seed Westside High School 3-0. The finals, played at Orange Park, were originally scheduled for Tuesday, but were rained out and had to be pushed back a day.
Underdog Orange Park held its own in the first half. Stanton had an edge in corners, possession, and shots, but was unable to dominate the Raiders the way it has been able to dominate so many other opponents this season. The Blue Devils were forced to settle into a contentious, scoreless, and foul-filled opening 20 minutes. Stanton head coach Steve Stone believes the poor playing conditions presented by the muddy, rain-soaked field contributed to the Blue Devils’ early struggles.
“This field wasn’t very good, you could see the ball jump and skip,” said Coach Stone.
The tide began to turn after the water break midway through the first half, as the momentum seemed to swing decisively toward the Blue Devils. After several close calls, Stanton finally took the lead on a corner by senior forward Miles Andre in the 35th minute. Andre's corner connected with the head of senior mid Jake Faltemeir, sending the ball into the top left corner of the net.
Stanton's momentum did not end with Faltemeir's goal. After several more near-misses, junior forward Joe Alberto put Stanton up 2-0 in the 40th minute. Alberto let it rip from nearly 45 yards out, his powerful leg sending the ball flying past Orange Park’s shocked keeper. Coming with just two seconds left in the half, the long-range goal electrified the Stanton sideline and changed the mood of the game going into the half.
Knowing that the Raiders were the ones in need of goals, the Blue Devils displayed less urgency early in the second half. Stanton continued to effectively control the ball, limiting Orange Park's shots on goal. The Raiders' path to victory narrowed as the clock wound down. Coincidentally, as if to symbolize Orange Park's vanishing hope, an already-hazy sky gave way to a heavy fog that partially obscured the field.
The reduced visibility did not prevent Stanton from taking a three-goal lead in the 65th minute on another Andre-to-Faltemier play. As the ball rolled deep into the right corner, Andre beat Orange Park's keeper to the ball and played it into the box. Faltemeir used his sprint speed, charging into the box and knocking Andre's cross into the unguarded net with his chest, punctuating the Stanton victory.
Orange Park (9-9) ends the season with just one postseason win, while Stanton (10-1-5) joins the Stanton girls team as district champs. The Blue Devils advance to the Regional Quarterfinals, where they will play Gulf Breeze High School (17-1) at home on Feb. 17. Stanton defeated Gulf Breeze in extra time last season in an exciting, back-and-forth playoff game.