The Father McGivney Griffins came within a single victory of a sectional championship last year, falling 2‑0 to eventual state champion Columbia in a tightly contested match.
A season of promise
A 21‑5‑1 record secured a second straight regional title and marked the third regional triumph in four seasons, underscoring the program’s steady rise in Illinois high school soccer.
Building on that momentum, the Griffins are now focused on capturing the school’s first boys soccer state title, a milestone that would complement the recent triumphs of the girls program.
Senior forward Will Rakers, who topped the team with 26 goals and six assists last season, returns as a central figure in the attack, bringing experience and a proven scoring touch.
Other key contributors include Owen Weissert, who added nine goals and ten assists, Gus Range with seven goals and three assists, and Dedrick Amoussou, who recorded five goals and nine assists, each poised to bolster the offense.
Between the lines, senior goalkeeper Patrick Gierer, holder of program records for 47 wins, 347 saves and 34 shutouts, will anchor a defense that finished the season ranked No. 46 statewide by MaxPreps.
The schedule presents early tests, with matches slated against Springfield Sacred Heart‑Griffin, Edwardsville, Waterloo, Columbia, O’Fallon, Triad and Collinsville, each offering a chance to prove the team’s championship mettle.
Coach Brett Schubert stresses that competition and development, especially through the junior varsity pipeline, will be essential to translate talent into results and sustain the Griffins’ upward trajectory.