The 2026 boys soccer campaign in the Greater Savannah Area will be remembered as a watershed moment for local athletics. For the first time in history, two regional programs brought home GHSA state championships in the same season, igniting a wave of pride that rippled through schools, families and the broader community.
Islands' Dominant Run to the Class 3A Crown
Under the steady guidance of Coach Justin Brantley, Islands posted a staggering 22‑2 record and captured the Region 3‑3A title before dismantling East Hall 6‑0 in the state final. The victory was anchored by JJ Stein, who tallied 23 goals and 10 assists and earned Region 3‑3A Co‑Offensive Player of the Year, and Alex Roma, whose defensive mastery secured him Region 3‑3A Player of the Year honors. Tao Harlan’s two goals in the championship game earned him MVP accolades, underscoring a collective effort that left opponents scrambling.
Savannah Arts Claims Class 2A Championship
Savannah Arts matched the historic feat by winning the Class 2A state title, edging Pierce County 2‑0 in a tightly contested final. Caden Powell led the offense with 17 goals and six assists, capturing Region 3‑2A Offensive Player of the Year, while Sebastian Nanez contributed eight goals and 10 assists, earning first‑team All‑Region recognition. The team’s disciplined play and clutch performances illustrated a rising powerhouse poised for future triumphs.
Other local programs also made deep playoff runs that added to the season’s narrative. Benedictine reached the Class 4A quarterfinals with two road victories, while St. Andrew's advanced to the GIAA Class 3A state finals before falling to Westminster. Meanwhile, Richmond Hill secured the Region 1‑6A title, with Harry Fell earning Region 1‑6A Player of the Year honors for his midfield dynamism.
Individual achievements extended beyond the championship matches. Chris Varner of Woodville‑Tompkins exploded for 42 goals, capturing Region 3A Division I Offensive Player of the Year, and Ben Weisel’s standout goalkeeping earned him a spot on the All‑Greater Savannah first team. Joshua Woodley, a first‑team All‑Region selection, signed with Savannah State, while Ethan Harris was named Region 3‑3A Keeper of the Year for Calvary Day. Reefe Reiter’s playmaking for St. Andrew's yielded 14 goals and a first‑team All‑Region nod.
Looking Ahead
The ripple effects of these successes are already shaping the next chapter for many of the standout athletes. Parker Lewis, who helped Benedictine break into the quarterfinals, has committed to Pfeiffer University, while Ethan Harris, the Region 3‑3A keeper of the year, will continue his education at the University of Wisconsin‑Stevens Point. As the region celebrates its historic season, the spotlight now turns to how these talents will translate their high school excellence into collegiate and beyond achievements.