Soccer: District Dynasty

Every year is different for high school sports teams. Key players graduate, and new players step into bigger roles.

The Jesuit High School soccer team has been adapting to these annual changes with tremendous success, for decades.

Thursday (Jan. 31) at Corral Memorial Stadium, Jesuit defeated Jefferson 5-0 to win its 33rd District title in the past 35 years, including 7-for-7 under head coach Eric Sims '95.

The Tigers improved to 19-2 overall this season and embark on the Region Tournament trying to reach State for the first time since 2016. Jesuit has been upended in the Region Final by Merritt Island each of the past two years in a shootout.

Thursday's win over Jefferson (9-3-5) featured typically balanced scoring as five different Tigers netted goals: Trevor Stanley '19, Nick Caulley '19, Zach Board '20, Will Rodriguez '19, and Carson Bien '20. Goalkeeper Thomas Knipe '19, behind a defense anchored by Andrew Motzer '19, notched the shutout, his 10th in his 19 games.

Next up is the Region Quarterfinal on Wednesday (Feb. 6) at home, vs. either Gulfport Boca Ciega (14-5-1) or Seminole Osceola (16-0-3), who play in their District Championship on Feb. 1.

Go to the Jesuit High School of Tampa Facebook page to view more photos from the game.