ONEIDA — North Laurel erased the sting of back-to-back losses in the 13th Region championship, defeating crosstown rival South Laurel 4-1 to capture its first regional crown since 2023.
The Jaguars improved to 15-5 and earned another trip to the state tournament, while South Laurel finished the season at 14-5.
“We knew coming into tonight that it was going to be a battle,” North Laurel coach David Broyles said. “We had one of our best practices yesterday and the boys were ready to play tonight.”
North Laurel came out aggressively and built a 2-0 lead in the first half. Cam Anderson opened the scoring on a free kick before Malik Turner added another goal for the Jaguars.
South Laurel answered when Jase Jones scored to cut the deficit to 2-1, but North Laurel responded before halftime.
Reilly Stuber scored off an assist from Zach Jacobs to make it 3-1, then Anderson struck again after finishing a loose ball in the box to send the Jaguars into halftime with a 4-1 advantage.
“We came out fast and really pressured South and created good scoring opportunities early and we were able to convert,” Broyles said.
Neither team scored in the second half as North Laurel protected its lead and closed out the championship.
The victory also extended North Laurel’s winning streak against South Laurel to nine consecutive matches. The Jaguars have not lost to the Cardinals since Aug. 17, 2021.
“I have to give credit to South, they pushed us to the limit each time we played and it forced us to play better each time,” Broyles said. “The old saying, iron sharpens iron, comes to mind.”
Stuber was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Anderson and Sawyer Miller were also selected to the All-Tournament Team for North Laurel, while Diego Sagastume, Allen Andrew and Bryce Jones represented South Laurel.
For Broyles, the title carried extra meaning for a senior class that had already experienced one state tournament trip and wanted another.
“This group, especially the seniors had the mindset of taking what they felt was theirs, which was a trip back to state,” Broyles said. “They got to be a part of the first time as freshmen, but wanted to put their stamp on this year. I’m really proud of how this group has come together this season and now they get to continue on and make a run toward a state championship.”
