The Orangewood Christian Rams put on a dominating performance in the 1A Semifinals, defeating St. Stephen's 3-0 and outshooting the Falcons 23-2. It was the Rams' eighth straight shutout, and they have allowed just one goal in their last 12 games.
They wasted no time getting on the board, as A.J. Moulton scored in the second minute. Sophomore GK Chase Honerbrink recorded the shutout, and second-half goals were added by Chase Gwynn (44th minute) and Mark Gagnon (80th minute) as the Rams coasted to their first-ever state semifinal win. In their five previous Final Fours, they had lost each time in the state semifinals, four times by just one goal.
The Rams (20-1-3) have state titles on their resume - just not in the winter soccer season. When small schools were also permitted to play fall soccer (if they did not have a football program), Orangewood Christian was a state power. They won three fall titles (1993, 1999 and 2000), tied for the fourth-best total in FHSAA history.
St. Stephen's (15-2-4) lost in the 1A Final Four for the second straight year.
Orangewood Christian will play the winner of Santa Fe Catholic-SLAM Academy in the 1A Championship on Thursday at 3 PM, live on Bright House Sports Network (Channel 47/HD1147).