The District Finals are complete as the remaining 16 teams head to the Regional Semifinals starting tonight. Let’s take a look at regions 1 and 2.

Region 1

#1 Medina (18-0-1) vs #3 Hudson (15-4)

These two teams played earlier this year as Medina took the win 3-0 and should win this game. On the contrary, looking at Hudson’s recent form there could be an upset brewing. Hudson is 12-1 in their past 13 games, beating teams like Copley, Twinsburg, North Royalton, St. Francis de Sales, and Wadsworth. Two of these teams are in the Regional finals, one beat St.Ignatius, and two made the District Finals. Those are some quality wins by Hudson who are in terrific form. Hudson is very capable of pulling off this upset but Medina is undefeated and also in great form. This Bees team had a close one against Highland 2 games ago which went to overtime as Medina barely escaped. Overall this is gonna be a close game.

#1 Walsh Jesuit (17-2-1) vs #3 Hoover (16-3-1)

Ironic enough that these two teams also played earlier this year as Walsh took the win 5-3. In that game, Walsh was resilient and had a fast start going up 2-0 in five minutes. Hoover however fought back and led 3-2 as this game was back and forth. This matchup is tricky, Hoover has a harder strength of schedule compared to Walsh. The schedule for Walsh was my biggest concern. I didn’t like the amount of D2 teams Walsh has played this year for a D1 program that is ranked very highly. Nonetheless, Walsh is on a 5 game winning streak and has only given up 2 goals in 9 games. Hoover on the other hand has some great quality wins over tough D1 programs. Tonight’s game will be very physical as Hoover looks for revenge on Walsh.

Region 2

#2 St. Ignatius (11-3-3) vs #11 Copley (11-6-3)

The team that is destined to go back to the state championship game in Columbus on November 11th takes on the surprise winner of their district in Copley. St. Ignatius had question marks about the lack of seniors which was answered by winning their 10th straight district crown with 2 goals from captain Nick Mikulec. It’s been an impressive season so far with a hard strength of schedule playing top teams in Ohio and some out-of-state teams. Copley isn’t gonna be a walk in the park for St. Ignatius though. They beat an undefeated North Ridgeville team 1-0 in the District Finals, and a respected Shaker Heights team 1-0. On top of their excellent playoff form, Copley started the year only losing to #1 Medina  2-1. St.Ignatius expected to see North Ridgeville here but will take care of business anyway. The Wildcats play their best this time of year as Copley has earned respect for making it this far when no one besides them thought they could.

#3 St. Francis de Sales (10-6-3) vs #2 St. John’s Jesuit (14-2-4)

St. John’s Jesuit competes with the best in Ohio. Their only 2 losses were in the Jesuit Cup against Walsh and St. Ignatius other than that they have been in great form. They haven’t lost since late August and have either beaten or tied really good teams. St. Francis de Sales lost two close games to St. Ignatius and Medina but gave Perrysburgh (16-2-2) their only 2 losses of the season. They also played St. John’s Jesuit earlier this season and tied 0-0. St. Francis de Sales tied a bad St. Edwards team 2-2 which is concerning but on the bright side, St. Francis had Perrysburgh’s number this year. I have St. John’s Jesuit winning this game based on their form and think this team can give St. Ignatius a close game.

Locations and Times:

• Hoover vs Walsh @7pm, Byers Field
• St. Ignatius vs Copley @7pm, Brunswick HS
• Medina vs Hudson @7pm, Twinsburg HS