This past week was a vital stretch for the Junior Jays, as they had a four-game slate before the Metro Conference Tournament. The defending state champions wanted to be playing their best ball before the tournament, and they showed out. Not only did the Junior Jays win all four games, but each was by multiple scores.
The Junior Jays opened their stretch with a dominant 5-0 win over Papillion La-Vista.
The first half was a close defensive affair. Both teams struggled to break each other’s defenses. While the Monarchs didn’t get a shot on goal throughout the half, the Junior Jays’ pressure eventually broke through. Jordan Igwenma found an open Jude Van Bell at the top of the box who ripped a strike past Monarch goalkeeper Henry Austin into the bottom corner.
In the second half, Prep’s offense erupted for four goals. Connor Lodes scored two goals, both on assists from Igwenma, while Igwenma scored a goal of his own. On the other end of the field, the Junior Jays’ defense held the Monarchs to one shot on goal. Landon McKinney capped the 5-0 victory with an open net goal off an assist from Evan Kirchofer.
Following their victory over the Monarchs, the Junior Jays traveled to Phelps Field to take on rival #9 Omaha Westside.
The first half was a struggle for the Junior Jays. Despite an early goal from Jacob Szatko, who sent a rocket from outside the box into the bottom corner, the Junior Jays were trailing 2-1 at the half. Warrior forward Ellis Oksman maneuvered past Prep goalie Alec Sibbernsen, who was in his first game back from injury, and Warrior forward Mubashir Hilowle deflected a free kick, something the Junior Jays have struggled to defend this year, past Sibbernsen.
This was only the second time the Junior Jays had trailed this season, the other being their 2-1 loss to Millard North. Last time, Prep couldn’t overcome the deficit. But this time, the Junior Jays had a stellar response.
Four minutes into the second half, Louis Tokporo scored his second goal of the year, sending a header over Warrior goalie Lucas Noll. The rest of the way, the Junior Jays rode the performance of their star forward Jordan Igwenma, who scored twice. Igwenma had a breakaway opportunity for a hat trick, but Noll came out of the net and took down Igwenma, receiving a red card. Down a man, the Warriors couldn’t overcome the deficit and the Junior Jays won 4-2. This come-from-behind victory proved that the Junior Jays could play in high-pressure moments with their backs to the wall.
After taking down Westside in a comeback affair, the Junior Jays aced a road test, traveling down to Lincoln and taking down Lincoln East 2-0.
Flynn McLeay and Jordan Igwenma both found the net with assists from Connor Lodes, but it was the defense that took control of this game. The Spartans were held to just three shots on goal, all from outside the box. The Junior Jays dominated the possession as well, further limiting the Spartans’ opportunities on the offensive end. The Junior Jays were able to cruise to victory, capping a successful road trip.
The Junior Jays ended their stretch before the Metro tournament with a 3-1 victory over #8 Papillion La-Vista South.
The Junior Jays’ offense was hot right out of the gate.
In the early minutes of the game, Igwenma received a pass from Jordan Algabon and sent an awkward bouncing shot past Titan goalie Christian Lindseth. Just 10 minutes later, Connor Lodes found the net off a through ball from Igwenma. Titan midfielder Morgan Macke cut the Junior Jays’ lead in half off a penalty kick before the Igwenma to Lodes connection struck again. In the second half, Igwenam sent a through ball to Lodes, who beat the keeper one-on-one to extend the lead for good.
After starting the season 7-1, the Junior Jays enter the Metro tournament with title aspirations. While all eyes will be on Igwenma, who has scored in every game this season and leads the team in both goals (9) and assists (6), the deciding factors will be around him. So far, his supporting cast, notably Lodes and midfielder Tim Dowd, have been able to complement Igwenma and form a potent offense. On the other side of the field, the Junior Jays have allowed less than a goal a game and Sibbernsen’s return from injury should only provide a boost. If the Junior Jays can keep up the stalwart defense and field a well-rounded offense with Igwenma at the helm, they’ll be one of the favorites at the tournament.
The Junior Jays enter the tournament as a two-seed and will play either Bellevue East or Burke. With a win, they’d likely have another date with rival Omaha Westside. The road won’t be easy, but this team has already demonstrated they have the tools to make a run. If their defense remains stout and their offense continues to fire on all cylinders, the Junior Jays have all the tools to make a strong push for another championship.
