Oakbrook Prep edges John Paul II for SCISA boys soccer championship

The most successful season in John Paul II history came just short of the program’s first boys soccer state championship.

Oakbrook Prep built up a two-goal lead and held off a late Warriors’ rally for a 3-2 win on Saturday in the SCISA Class 2A championship at Cardinal Newman’s St. Sebastian Field.

It was Oakbrook Prep’s third straight state championship and it finished the season at 12-3.

John Paul II finished the year at 15-3, including a 6-0 mark in the region. The Warriors advanced to the championship match with wins over Greenwood Christian (8-0) and Spartanburg Day (2-1).

“John Paul II was slightly overmatched, but played with enough heart to make a late push before running out of time. The Warriors played their hearts out,” JP2 coach Joshua Fox said.

Barrett Owens put Oakbrook Prep on top with a goal in the 27th minute. But the Warriors tied it on a header from Mark Knight in the 37th minute.

Oakbrook Prep regained the lead just before intermission on a goal from Nzuhri Biggar to make it 2-1.

Oakbrook Prep made it 3-1 on Jack Neal’s goal in the 61st minute.

The Warriors kept fighting and pulled within 3-2 on Floyd’s second goal in the 79th minute.

JP II had some chances in stoppage time but couldn’t get the tying goal.

“That’s just our personality. That’s Golden Warrior soccer,” Fox said. “Every day we talk about giving one ercent more each day. Evert day we talk about loving your teammate just a little bit more. They put the right two teams on the field tonight. It was a fun one.”