FLAT ROCK – The second goal of Garrett Baxter’s career turned into one of the biggest in the history of Ida boys soccer.
Baxter scored the only goal of the game as Ida toppled Milan 1-0 in the semifinals of the Division 3 District at Flat Rock on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
Ida had never beaten Milan before.
“It was a tight game all the way through,” Ida coach Tim Allen said. “They had a couple of good opportunities early, but we were able to stop those.”
The Ida defense, led by Alex Faryniarz, Brenner Nelson, Leo Godrey, Mason Reynolds and Owen Harrison were nearly impenetrable in front of freshman goalkeeper Connor Watterworth, who turned away 10 shots.
With Milan focusing its defense on Jaxon Bolster, the Ida star set up the only goal of the game.
“We were in deep down there and Jaxon got it over to Garrett, who chipped it with his left foot and it went in,” Allen said.
Ida improved to 13-8-1.
“We played well throughout the field and got the one goal we needed,” Alen said. “We had pretty good possession which is hard because they apply a lot of pressure.”
Next up for the Blue Streaks is a battle with Grosse Ile for the district title at 7 p.m. Thursday.
“They’re very good,” Allen said. “We’ve played a lot of tough teams this year.”
Grosse Ile reached the finals with a 3-0 win over Flat Rock earlier Tuesday.
The loss snapped a seven-game winning streak for Flat Rock, which finished with a 10-10 record. Grosse Ile recorded an 8-0 mercy-rule win over the Rams earlier this season.
“We’ve come a long way,” Flat Rock coach Sean Sturgeon said. “Two years ago, we had not won more than six games in a season. As a team, we really grew from the start of the season.”
Brady McBride, Andrew Marama and Caden Hounshell were the only seniors on the roster. They will be missed, especially McBride who finished with a school-record 105 career goals.
TOP PERFORMERS
BOYS SOCCER
Ian Ankenbauer, New Boston Huron: Posted his 11th shutout of the season as Huron moved into the finals of the Division 2 District at Adrian with a 2-0 win over Tecumseh. Michael Masciovecchio assisted on goals by Marton Krajcz and Ian Petrick and the defense of Jordan Stasak, Mason Jasinski, Shayne Diegel and Ryan Marvaso smothered the Tecumseh attack. Huron will play Airport, a 2-1 winner over Ypsilanti. The season came to an end for Bedford, Gibraltar Carlson and St. Mary Catholic Central with semifinal losses. Bedford fell 5-1 to Ann Arbor Huron in the Division 1 District at Huron, Carlson was clipped 2-1 by Melvindale in the Division 2 District it is hosting and Clinton topped 2-1 in the Division 4 District at Lenawee Christian.
Nolan Sanders and Isaiah Chapdelaine, Airport: Scored goals against Ypsilanti as Airport reached a district championship game for the first time in school history. “This one meant a lot personally,” Airport coach Nick Suarez said. “I spent three years at Ypsilanti Community, helping the program win its first SEC White title in 2023–24. … I’m proud of our boys’ composure and grit. Different guys stepped up in big moments, and we’re excited for the opportunity to compete for a title.”
Luke Rains, State Line Christian: Posted two goals and two assists during a 9-2 win over Monclova Christian. Austin Nowak, Bret Yglesias, and Trey Helton also had a pair of goals for the 13-3-1 Patriots. The other score came from Herbie Cheedie.
VOLLEYBALL
Olivia Eby, Bedford: Was credited with 21 assists and 8 digs during a 25-19, 25-18, 25-16 victory over Monroe. Other leaders were Lucy Monahan (11 kills), Blair Russow (19 digs) and Kiersten Soss (11 digs). The junior varsity and freshmen teams also won.
Jaeli Jones, Summerfield: Put down 16 kills and added 6 digs in a 25-20, 25-14, 25-14 victory over Morenci. The 12-7 Bulldogs also got 26 assists from Riley Soldwish, 10 digs from Maya Stone and 4 kills apiece from Gabi Myshock, Bridget Salenbien and Bethany Suydam.
Kailee LaVoy and Jenna Frye, Whiteford: Dominated the net in a 25-8, 25-15, 25-13 triumph over Britton Deerfield. LaVoy led with 10 kills and Frye added 9 and hit .500. Bailey Spradling (12 digs) and Addeson Cousino (26 assists, 18 points, 5 aces) also stood out for the 15-9 Bobcats.
Addie Homrich, Erie Mason: Registered 10 kills in a 25-13, 25-17, 25-22, 25-22 loss to Sand Creek. Paige Konrad, Kensey Kreger, and Zayla Brown led in blocks and Kensey Kreger and Lola Cox each logged 15 digs.
CROSS COUNTRY
Joseph Colaluca, Erie Mason: Took first place individually to lead Mason’s boys to their sixth consecutive Tri-County Conference championship. Caleb Henry was second, David Mills third, Porter Ravary fourth and Brayden Hincher ninth. Grant Rasor placed fifth and Colin Brown led Summerfield with a 16th-place finish.
Braelynn Chiotti, Whiteford: Won the Tri-County Conference meet after taking first in both league jamborees. Summerfield won the team title with Makenzie Wolfe, Grace Raymond, Allison Ost and Abby Raymond taking the next four spots after Chiotti. Whiteford’s Briar Wing was sixth and Jaelynn Horton of Erie Mason seventh.
Amelia Murphy, Trinity Lutheran: Won the fourth-sixth grade division of the Lutheran Schools of Michigan State finals, covering the two-mile course in 12:36. Trinity’s boys and girls both took second to earn trips to nationals in Wisconsin. Also finishing in the top 15 individually were Lainey Hess, Ava Dowen, Kelsie Sikes, Cole Butler, Ty Davis, Evan Dowen, Jacob Baron and Wesley Baron.
GIRLS SWIMMING
Genavieve Bylow, SMCC: Won the backstroke and took second place in the 200-yard freestyle during a 95-62 loss to Flat Rock. Other standouts were Katelyn Rutkowski, Brianna Lynch, Brigeta Yakoo, Ava Sinnott, Autumn Carnagey and Kyree Hinkle.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Ida, New Boston Huron, Airport move into district soccer finals
Reporting by Niles Kruger, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
