For the first time in 18 years, OVCS made it to the MCSSL Middle School Soccer Championship!
What a season. From early practices to the final whistle in the championship match, our team showed grit, growth, and godly character every step of the way. Here’s a look at our road to the finals.
Regular Season Recap
This season, our Middle School team grew immensely, both in individual skill and team unity. Through intentional coaching, player leadership, and consistent effort, the Knights took major strides in confidence and capability.
Our defense was anchored by seasoned 8th graders, while our offense was driven by an agile, determined group of 7th graders who love the game. Our three coaches each brought something distinct to the field, shaping a well-rounded and disciplined team.
The bench never stopped cheering. Our varsity team stepped up to mentor, train, and encourage the younger players, playing a vital role in preparing us for the playoffs, on and off the field.
We finished the regular season in 7th place (out of 16 teams) with 4 wins, 2 losses, and 1 tie. Those two losses? Against Pine Tree and Living Waters – the very teams we would later face in the quarterfinals and semifinals.
Quarterfinal Game – vs. Pine Tree (Ranked #2)
In Freeport, we took on the #2 seed Pine Tree and won 3–2 in a high-stakes quarterfinal match.
Just 15 minutes before kickoff, our coaches made a bold call – starting 5th grader Scotty Weirick in goal, his first official game. Our usual keeper, Toby, took to the field and scored the opening goal. Scotty stepped into the pressure with composure and courage, marking the beginning of his standout playoff run.
A true team victory, and the Knights were moving on.
Semifinal Game – vs. Living Waters
Down 4–1 in the second half, our team pulled off a comeback for the ages, defeating Living Waters 5–4 in overtime.
With determination, discipline, and heart, the Knights scored four unanswered goals to clinch the win. Goals came from Toby, Carter, Evan, Vivian, and a game-winner in OT from Piper.
Clara, Nolie, and Caleb delivered key assists, pushing through injuries to support their teammates. On defense, Addison, Kaiden, Katie, Jed, and Julia held the line under intense pressure. And Scotty once again made critical saves that kept us in the game.
This match was a testament to the power of perseverance and teamwork.
Championship Game – vs. Coastal Christian (Ranked #1)
The championship game, played at Edward Little High School in the rain, went the distance – double overtime and then a penalty shootout.
This was no ordinary game. Both teams battled with everything they had. After 90+ minutes of regulation and overtime without a single goal, it came down to penalty kicks…
The final score: 4–2, Coastal Christian. While there was a winner, there were no losers in this championship game!
Scotty earned MVP honors for his incredible performance in goal – in just his third game ever. Clara played through an ankle injury and was key in field control, while securing the midfield award for the game.
Even in the final match, the team continued to grow. On defense: Addison, Jed, Julia, Katie, and captain Kaiden Farris led with composure and courage. Our midfield – Evan, Carter, Vivian, and Clara – showed versatility and endurance. Up front, Caleb, Toby, and Piper demonstrated sharp skill and relentless effort.
We didn’t come home with the trophy, but we left the field knowing we gave our all. This was championship-level soccer, played with integrity, sportsmanship, and heart.
Congratulations to Coastal Christian on their win. And to the OVCS Knights, what a season. You made history, played with purpose, and glorified God every step of the way.
(click on any of the images below from the championship game for a closer look)
2025 Soccer Awards
OVCS 2025 Finalists in Middle School MCSSL Championship play-off game
Vivian Almanzar received an MCSSL All-Star award as voted ahead of time by the teams in the league.
Clara Anderson received the 2025 MCSSL Championship game midfield award
Scotty Weirick received MVP of the 2025 MCSSL Championship game
Piper Mains received the OVCS Knights 2025 Most Improved Player of the Year
Kaiden Farris received the OVCS Knights 2025 Most Valuable Defensive Player
Vivian Almanzar received the OVCS Knights 2025 Most Valuable Offensive Player
Toby Weeks & Scotty Weirick received the OVCS Knights 2025 Jewels of the Crown awards
Coaches Quotes
“Coastal may have officially won with penalty shots, but they did not score against us in that game, including double overtime and our Goalie received the MVP of the Game. But what I think is the most noteworthy about our team is their cohesiveness. Where other teams often have one- or two-star players our strength comes by the unity we express as a team, such a variety of people passing carrying the ball, stopping the ball and scoring. The semifinal game against Living Waters was evidence of that the final score was 5-4 and five different players on our team scored.
I personally think adding Stephen Hinkley to the coaching staff brought increased conditioning which was instrumental in the endurance that our players displayed on the field. I totally agree with what I’ve heard across the board which is this team has heart.
I can tell you that it was an absolute pleasure coaching them. I don’t know if JV has been to finals at all in the 23 years I’ve coached. I’m confident no one from our school has been in 18 years, which is when varsity last went. There was No weak link on this team. The reason we got this far is that we were a team out there working together, each player doing their part. Excellent defense, excellent midfield, excellent offense – all the ingredients were there to make us champions.”
Scott Weirick, Coach
“I would agree with everything Mr. Weirick said. This team had the ability to push themselves. I was a last-minute addition to the team, and I really had no idea what to expect. I noticed right from the beginning that they had a desire to work hard and push themselves. Most of the time it was the kids asking for more running. If the kids had not been willing to push themselves, the drills would not have been helpful. We saw it consistently each practice, from the youngest on the team to the oldest, everyone pushed hard and challenged each other to get better. They took that all the way to the championship game and gave it everything they had. If we had to lose the game, that was the best way to do it. I was so impressed.
Our team also seemed to be well rounded in every aspect, from defense to offense. They were able to work together and play off their strengths. Other teams had a few solid players but didn’t seem to be as well rounded.
Overall, this season was awesome, and I had more fun than I ever expected I would. I am grateful that the kids allowed me to be there.”
Stephen Hinkley, Coach
Thank you!
Triumph is more than just a win on the scoreboard, it is a testament to what can be accomplished through faith, perseverance, and community support. To our players, coaches, and fans: Congratulations! Your hard work and dedication have made us all proud.
We also want to thank our OVCS families, staff, and supporters who have cheered our team on throughout the season. Your encouragement has been invaluable. We have the best fans!!
This is just the beginning – OVCS Soccer is a force that’s here to stay!
We hope that you will join us in continuing to cheer for our amazing athletes as we head into basketball season, and every soccer season here on out.