OSAA soccer: Stayton boys, Woodburn boys, Woodburn girls battle for state titles

The rivalry between Stayton and Woodburn in boys soccer has been intense the past two seasons, and they are about to take it to another level on Saturday.

The Oregon West Conference foes will battle each other at 6 p.m. Saturday at Liberty High School in Hillsboro for the OSAA Class 4A state championship.

Both programs have recent experience in state championship matches.

Woodburn is a three-time defending state champion, winning the Class 5A state title in 2016 and 2017, then winning the 4A championship last season. The Bulldogs also won three consecutive state titles from 2010-12.

This is Stayton’s fifth trip to the state championship match under coach Chris Shields. Previously, the Eagles made it in 2010, 2014, 2015 and 2017. They won the title in 2010.

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“I am excited to be in another state championship, but I also know that the community of the North Santiam School District is excited and proud. The players put in a ton of work since last year, which has really paid off,” Shields said. “Senior captains Nolan Cramer and Ivan Pelayo are examples of that. Jayden Esparza has played beyond his years this season and postseason, with goals in each of the playoff games, including the game-winner against Marist.

“As for playing Woodburn again,” Shields added, “they are a quality side who are well coached. It shows the strength of the conference and the level of play that is happening in the valley.”

After dominating at the 5A level, Woodburn moved to the 4A level in all sports beginning last fall to help the school’s athletic programs compete across the board.

In Oregon West Conference boys soccer, Woodburn and Stayton have had their battles the past two seasons.

Last season, the two teams split their two matches. This season, Stayton swept Woodburn in the regular season, winning 2-0 at home Sept. 19, and winning 1-0 at Woodburn on Oct. 17.

“It is a blessing for us to make it to another state championship game. These are the games to look forward to, and the players and coaches dream about,” Woodburn coach Leroy Sanchez said. “Having consistently made it to the finals the past few years indicates the consistency and success the program has had. Facing Stayton again for the third time makes it an exciting game for all. We will be looking forward to the rematch on Saturday.”

Woodburn girls to play for a state title

Woodburn has a chance to sweep the Class 4A soccer state championships this season, as the girls team will face Marist at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Liberty High School in the title match.

Woodburn is 13-2-2 this season, and after an impressive run through the playoffs, they are one win from winning a state championship.

“While our team has found success throughout our entire season, we have truly peaked as a team in the last two weeks,” Woodburn coach Andrea Whiteman said. “With a strong focus on defensive shape and support, we have developed into a team that functions as a unit.”

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In the state playoffs, Woodburn has outscored its opponents — Valley Catholic, Gladstone and North Marion — a combined 6-1 to reach the state final.

Marist has lost just one match this season, and it was at 5A Corvallis. Marist comes into the title match with a 15-1-2 record this season.

In the postseason, Marist has outscored its opponents — Ontario, Philomath and North Valley — by a combined 13-1.

“We are a strong group of young girls that hustle and communicate until the final whistle blows,” Whiteman said. “This is the first-ever trip to the state final for the Woodburn girls soccer team. Because of this monumental achievement, our team is ready to lay it all on the line. I could not be more proud of the growth, development and tenacity of our team.”

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Pete Martini covers high school and college sports for the Statesman Journal. You can contact Pete at pmartini@StatesmanJournal.com, 503-399-6730 and follow @PeteMartiniSJ