Home of the Okemos HS Boys Varsity Soccer Team 2004

Latest News

LSJ Dream Teams Finally Posted
12/22/04

Coach of the Year: Brian Guggemos
Guggemos leads Okemos to state championship. Leading a team with 13 seniors to a successful season may seem easy, but it took some work for Brian Guggemos. More...

Player of the year: David Brogan
Brogran's position change helped Okemos recover from an early slump to win state crown. David Brogan's area-leading 21 assists show he is an unselfish player. However, his ability to help the Okemos boys soccer team in any capacity it called for proved to be a big reason why the team won the Division 1 state championship. More...

Dream Teams
FIRST TEAM: Mike Smith, Steven Topper, Josh White, Jimmy Witzel
All-area: Division 1: Scott Branta

Hail to the Chiefs!

Our Champions!

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OHS Varsity Boys Soccer
Team 2004 Season Statistics
11/17/04

	Goals For	Goals Against	Shutouts
Regular Season	71	10	6
Post Season	33	3	8
Totals	104	13	14

Individual Statistics

	Goals	Assists
Armstrong	0	2
Branta	13	1
Brogan	10	21
Cantu	3	0
Dow	1	2
El-Hussieny	9	2
Gietzen	0	4
Hassan	0	1
Hudson	8	8
Jamalifaard	0	8
Ley	1	7
Miller	5	12
O'Conner	3	2
Peters	3	1
Potter	1	6
Rawsthorne	2	1
Shaheen	0	1
Smith	33*	4
Storey	0	0
Topper	0	1
White	8	8
Witzel	5	4

*33 goals is a record for OHS Varsity Boys Soccer

Steven Topper (LSJ Athlete of the week - 11/11/04) in Goal for OHS

Games Played	25
Goals Against	13
G.A. Average	.52

OHS Team & Players Earn State Rankings
11/8/04
The cat is out of the bag: OHS has 4 players in the various all-state teams: David Brogan & Mike Smith made the 1st team and Steven Topper made third team all-state as goalkeeper. Josh White got Honorable Mention. Okemos also finished the season with six (6) players chosen for the all CAAC-1 team, including David Brogan, Mike Smith, Trevor Miller, Josh White, Andrew Ley, and Steven Topper. Pat Rawsthorne, Jim Witzel, Faread Jamalifaard, Will Armstrong, Scott Branta, Alex Potter, and Eric Dow all received honorable mention for the CAAC-1 team.

OHS as a team finished the 2004 season ranked #1 in Division 1 for the State. In addition, OHS received regional and national recognition for their Divisoin 1 state championship. The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) ranks them #3 in their region, Region VI, and #20 in the nation. OHS is the only team from Michigan in the top 25 nationally ranked teams and is tied for 2nd in most games won of those ranked! Congratulations to all the players and coaches on these fine accomplishments!

News Watch: Be sure to get a copy of the Towne Courier from the week of Nov. 28 which has a full-page special tribute to the team.

Okemos Wins Division 1 State Title with Impressive Win Over Utica Eisenhower 2:1

November 6, 2004
Lots of Photos! Click photos to go to many more...
* New photos posted on MichiganSoccer.net

Pat Rawsthorne celebrating his impressive goal which got the Chiefs off to a great start.

Okemos prevailed in the Division 1 State Championship match with an impressive 2:1 win over Utica Eisenhower. Congratulations to the players, coaches, parents, and fans who attended the game in Troy!

Okemos capped their amazing run in the state Division 1 tournament with an impressive win over Utica Eisenhower (ranked #5) on a warm and sunny Saturday in Troy. Okemos got an early scoring chance when Mike Smith took the ball just outside the Utica Eisenhower (UI) box beating several defenders but shooting the ball wide of the net. UI got their own attack going with a long ball that Andrew Ley and Josh White took control of before launching it back up the field. Mike Smith then played a ball into the box that the UI keeper failed to clear with a sliding kick and Pat Rawsthorne beat a defender to the ball and put it into the open net to give Okemos the lead.

Scott Branta battling for the ball early in the 1st half.

UI almost got an equalizer when an attacker got behind the defense but the shot was just wider of the net. Josh White stole the ball for Okemos and played it forward to Scott Branta who found David Brogan on the right hand side of the field. David dribbled into the center and found Jimmy Witzel whose shot from just outside the UI box was high of the net. UI played a long ball up the middle that Steven Topper collected for Okemos and launched back into the UI half. Jimmy Witzel had a go from the right hand side forcing a nice save in the net from the UI keeper. Mike Smith got his head on the corner kick but the ball was collected by the UI goalie. Trevor Miller got his foot on a corner kick but his shot was wide of the goal.

Zach Hudson celebrating his goal, the 2nd and winning goal of the match, with Mike Smith in the background.

David Brogan took a throw in for Okemos and Josh White headed the ball into the box. The UI keeper came out but didn’t get to the ball before Zach Hudson blasted it into the back of the net to give Okemos a 2-goal lead. Utica Eisenhower players were stunned by the Okemos onslaught and immediately stepped up their play with physical challenges at both ends. Josh White again stepped up on defense winning a ball and clearing it out of the Okemos end. Okemos kept the ball, passing and dribbling into space before Eric Dow found Mike Smith in front of the goal, but UI cleared their box and were on the counter attack. Josh White stole the ball in the midfield and dribbled past two UI players before passing the ball to another Okemos player. Omar El-Hussieny was taken down and Okemos were awarded a free kick. Will Armstrong worked hard on defense to clear the ball but a UI cross resulted in a header that Steven Topper saved in the Okemos goal.

Steven Topper making an early diving save in the 1st half.

Fareed Jamalifaard won several balls in midfield and Okemos continued to dominate possession of the ball. David Brogan stole the ball deep in the UI end and played a great ball right in front of the UI net but Mike Smith could not get his foot on it and the ball was eventually pushed behind for a corner kick. Eric Dow headed the ball forward and David Brogan took it into the UI box before beating two defenders around the corner and winning another corner kick for Okemos. Okemos ended the half strong with a headed shot just wide off the corner kick.

Fareed Jamalifaard and Jimmy Witzel double-teaming a Utica player.

The 2nd half saw a determined Utica Eisenhower team pushing forward and playing aggressively to catch Okemos. UI attacked up the right wing crossing the ball into the Okemos box before the ball was cleared out by Jimmy Witzel. But UI kept pounding the ball into the box and Jimmy Witzel took a ball past two UI players before a throw in was given. Mike Smith played a ball forward that David Brogan took before Jimmy Witzel found Trevor Miller as Okemos kept the ball in the UI half. Trevor’s cross found the head of Mike Smith but his shot hit the post. UI played another long ball forward before a weak shot was gathered up by Steven Topper and cleared back into UI half. UI came very close to equalizing on another long ball played up the right wing that hit the post before Will Armstrong cleared it back to the midfield.

Steven Topper making another bold save thru a group of players.

UI played a cross that found an open attacker on the left hand side but Steven Topper made two great saves after a flurry of activity before the ball was finally shot over the net and out of play. At the other end, Trevor Miller found Omar El-Hussieny who turned on his defender before being tackled by a UI player. But no foul was given and the keeper eventually scooped up the loose ball inside his box.

But UI’s efforts paid off when they used a give and go to get past the Okemos defense and a fine shot found the back of the net. Okemos picked up their play and Omar El-Hussieny almost scored off a throw in but the headed ball slid just wide of the net. Trevor Miller won a ball in midfield as UI continued to push more players forward for the equalizer. Steven Topper made another crucial save in the net on a shot from close range to keep the

Trevor Miller finessing the ball near the Utica goal-line in the 2nd half.

Okemos lead intact. The game got more physical as UI pressed for every ball and Topper stepped up to collect a ball played into the box preventing it from finding a forward. Another cross played into the Okemos box was grabbed by a diving Topper before the ball was cleared back into the UI half. David Brogan made a nice run getting past several UI players before the ball was pushed back into the Okemos half. Trevor Miller ran onto a ball played deep in the corner and killed off time before crossing a nice ball in front of the UI net. But UI players continued to attack the ball and Steven Topper made another fine save for Okemos on a shot from close range. Mike Smith collected a ball and dribbled past two UI defenders but this shot was high of the net as the game ended and the celebration for Okemos fans began.

Head Coach Brian Guggemos lofts the State trophy as the team & fans rush him.

An article about the Division I State Championship win by Okemos written by Mike Kohon appeared in the November 7, 2004 edition of the Lansing State Journal. Click here for a Detroit News article (11/7). Click here for the official MHSAA stats from the game & here for the summary page of the tournament matches.

Final score: Okemos 2, Utica Eisenhower 1
Okemos record: 24-1-1
Saves by Topper: 4 first half, 8 second half

Congratulations to the Okemos players, coaches, parents, and fans for a wonderfully successful season!

Note: If you want photo prints from the 2004 season, click here! Added 150 photos from the 2004 season on 11/15 (more coming 11/16)!

These are much higher resolution images than what you can get thru this web site; Shutterfly.com is a leader in online print services and delivers direct to your door quickly!

Support the "Alex Potter Championship Ring Fund" and order some prints today!!

LSJ Sports cover, 11/7/04
Copyright Lansing State Journal, 2004. For reference only; NOT for reproduction of any kind.

A few more favorite pics from the match below:

Mike Smith driving a header towards the Utica goal.	Some of the dedicated rabid Chieftan fans getting into the match.
Will Armstrong gaining control of the ball w/ & Trevor Miller looking on.	The team celebrating.
Steven Topper helping Trevor Miller enjoy the moment.	The Coaches: Bill Boyle (assistant, left), Brian Guggemos (head).

Lansing State Journal article about OHS VBS

An article written by Mike Kohon about the Okemos High School Varsity Boys Soccer team playing in the Division 1 State Championship match appeared in the November 6, 2004 edition of the Lansing State Journal.

OHS Wins State Semi-Final Match 1:0 vs. Rochester Adams to Advance to the State Final on 11/06/04
11/3/04

Deep into the 2nd half Mike Smith finally buried his record setting goal to win the match for OHS in the State semi-final game held at Grand Blanc HS. Steven Topper made a couple huge saves to shutout Rochester.

Okemos played in the Division 1 State Semifinal game on Wednesday night against a tough and physical team from Rochester Adams in Grand Blanc. The evening was cool with moisture on the field so play was at times difficult for both teams. Okemos won an early free kick taken by Andrew Ley but the Adams defense cleared the ball out. The battle for control of the midfield started early and lasted throughout this contest, with both teams fighting for every ball. Trevor Miller played a ball forward that David Brogan took deep into the Adams half before the ball was played into touch. Trevor Miller crossed a ball into the box but again the Adams defense cleared it out. Mike Smith played a ball into the left-hand side of the box that Fareed Jamalifaard ran onto but an Adams defender cleared it back to the midfield. At the other end, Eric Dow cleared a ball forward that Jimmy Witzel passed up to David Brogan who dribbled past a defender. Trevor Miller almost got his foot on a ball headed into the box off an Okemos throw in but the ball was cleared behind the net for a corner kick. Josh White and Trevor Miller worked a give-and-go in the corner off the kick and Josh managed to cross the ball to David Brogan who dribbled past two Adams players before the ball was finally cleared. Trevor Miller stole the ball and dribbled into the Adams area but his shot was wide of the net.

Adams won a corner kick and a headed ball was saved in net by Steven Topper. But Adams kept the ball in the Okemos end before Topper stepped up to collect it inside the Okemos box. Josh White stepped up on defense and found Jimmy Witzel at midfield. Ryan O’Conner made a nice run up the left wing but his cross was cut out by the Adams keeper. Another counter attack by Adams resulted in a ball loose in the Okemos box scooped up by Steven Topper. Adams won a throw in and a long shot lofted into the box hit the post before going out of play. Trevor Miller appeared to be tripped just outside the box but no call was made and Adams were again attacking. Will Armstrong and Andrew Ley worked in tandem to win the ball and clear it out of the Okemos half. After a scrum in front of the Okemos goal Jimmy Witzel won the ball and Okemos got their counter attack going. Jimmy found Omar El-Hussieny who nutmegged an Adams defender and a shot by Witzel was just wide of the net. Adams got their own scoring chance when Andrew Ley slipped while taking a goal kick and the ball found an Adams forward whose shot was blocked by Steven Topper and hit the post. A rebound shot was cleared off the line by Will Armstrong. Okemos kept the pressure on with a blocked shot and a corner kick before a David Brogan header was saved by the Adams keeper. Okemos had another good scoring opportunity when Josh White won the ball deep in the Adams end and crossed it into the box. An Adams defender got his foot on the ball just before Mike Smith could shoot and when the ball found Jimmy Witzel, he dribbled past a defender but his shot was again just wide of the net. There was some confusion in the Okemos end as the first half drew to an end with defenders clearing the ball out and heading it wide off a corner kick.

The 2nd half got underway with Okemos again attacking the Adams goal. Josh White found Mike Smith on the edge of the Adams box, and Mike turned on his defender before the ball was cleared by another Adams player. Trevor Miller made a nice run up the right wing getting behind the defenders and crossing the ball in front but the Adams defense held clearing the ball out. Eric Dow found Pat Rawsthorne who dribbled up the left wing and crossed the ball into the box. Adams finally got the ball into the Okemos end and almost scored off a cross into the Okemos box. But a point-blank shot was saved by Steven Topper and the ball was eventually cleared out of the area. Okemos continued pressing for a goal and kept the ball in the Adams half. Jimmy Witzel found Pat Rawsthorne whose crossed found the head of David Brogan, but his shot was saved by the Adams goalie. David dribbled past several Adams players and played a ball into their box but it was dug out and cleared by a defender. Pat Rawsthorne then pushed the ball past his defender and ran onto it but the ball was cleared out of play. The game got more physical and Okemos got a free kick off an Adams foul. Pat Rawsthorne again made a run up the left wing before David Brogan had a go from long range that was blocked.

Jimmy Witzel decided to try his luck but his shot was also blocked by an Adams defender. David Brogan was fouled hard deep inside the Adams end and on the free kick a header was just wide of the mark. Okemos continued to control play and kept the ball in the Adams end, getting off shots at goal. Steven Topper stepped up to collect a ball played into his box and Okemos were again on the attack. After a short goal kick, the ball was played forward and Mike Smith ran onto it but was taken down just outside the Adams box. On the resulting free kick, a shot by David Brogan was just high of the net. Fareed Jamalifaard made another run up the right wing before crossing the ball into the Adams box. After a scrum, the ball eventually ended up with Mike Smith who blasted it into the back of the net to give Okemos the lead. With 8:23 left in the state semifinal match, Smitty had also bested the previous record for Okemos High School scoring with his 33rd of the season. Adams pressed forward forcing a clearance by Andrew Ley at the edge of the Okemos box. Okemos pushed the ball back into the Adams end, forcing more time off the clock as Adams threw everything they had into getting an equalizer. They almost got it off of a corner kick and a long shot that looked like it was in before Steven Topper lofted it up and over the bar for Okemos. On the resulting corner kick, Okemos cleared the ball back to midfield. Jimmy Witzel played a smart ball forward that Scott Branta ran onto but the Adams defense got back. Will Armstrong played the ball forward for Jimmy Witzel and David Brogan found the corner of the field as Okemos continued to kill off time. Perhaps sensing time was running out, an Adams player tried a long shot that Steven Topper scooped up and cleared back to the midfield. A free kick awarded by the referee with only 4 seconds left on the clock saw a long ball headed wide by Okemos as time ran out and the fans celebrated the victory.

An article written by Rob Schlissberg about the match appeared in the Lansing State Journal, 11/04/04 edition. WILX, Channel 10, also ran a story on Friday's (11/05/04) newscast at 5:00 on the Okemos soccer team featuring video of the goal by Mike Smith vs. Rochester Adams, a save by Steven Topper, and interviews with Smith and Coach Guggemos.

Final score: Okemos 1, Rochester Adams 0
Okemos record: 23-1-1
Saves by Topper: 2 first half, 4 second half

Next up for Okemos: Division 1 State Championship game vs. Utica Eisenhower on 11/06/04 at 2:30 pm at Troy Athens High School, 4333 John R. Road. There are lots of ways to get to Troy Athens HS from Lansing, including taking I-69 East to I-75 South and taking exit 72 (Troy), taking M-59 through Pontiac and then south to Troy, or taking I-96 to either Telegraph Road or I-75 (via I-696) North to exit 67. MapQuest estimates that taking the last route will last 1 hour and 24 minutes.

Scouting report: Utica Eisenhower (Ranked #6 at the end of the regular season) had a 2004 record of 24-1-1 with wins over Grand Blanc, Warren Mott, Catholic Central, Warren DeLaSalle, Troy Athens (PK shootout), and Saline, a tie vs. Troy Athens, and a loss to Warren DelLaSalle.

Photos? Unfortunately it was too dark for photos, but there were at least 4 video cameras rolling for OHS, so stay tuned for the video highlights at the banquet!

Lansing State Journal article

An article written by Mike Kohon about the Okemos High School Varsity Boys Soccer team appeared in the November 3, 2004 edition of the Lansing State Journal.

OHS Takes Regional Championship!
10/29/04
Photos

Next Up: State Semifinal Game in Grand Blanc on 11/03/04

David Brogan and Josh White going up for a header off one of Andy Ley's many well-placed free-kicks.

Yet another show of Okemos Chieftain spirit overpowered Portage Central in the final match of the Regionals tonight at Holland West Ottawa. The final score, 3:0.

The Okemos High School Varsity Boys Soccer team advanced to the Michigan semifinal game on Wednesday night with another solid win over Portage Central on Friday. The game in Holland got underway on a warm October evening with PC applying the pressure early in the match and keeping the ball in the Okemos end. Steven Topper got a touch on the ball early off a header inside the box and the ball was cleared back to the midfield. But PC continued to attack launching a long cross into the Okemos box that Topper knocked down and a shot from a PC attacker went wide of the net. Andrew Ley made a great tackle as a PC player dribbled into the box and the ball was again cleared this time by Will Armstrong. After an Okemos foul a free kick was lofted into the Okemos box but Steven Topper scooped it up and sent it back into the PC half. At the other end of the field, David Brogan threw the ball in and Josh White headed it over the net. Eric Dow crossed a ball right in front that Mike Smith took but his shot was saved by the PC keeper. David Brogan dribbled deep into the PC end before passing off to Trevor Miller who found Mike Smith, who scored easily for Okemos beating the keeper. Eric Dow stepped up to win a ball in the Okemos end and dribbled past the midfield before being tackled. But PC counter attacked and Will Armstrong defended well with Steven Topper eventually scooping up the ball and clearing it back into the PC end. Josh White passed the ball to David Brogan who took it outside the PC 18-yard box, dribbled past three defenders and beat the keeper with a sweet goal that found the back of the net.

The guys readying for a free-kick near the end of the 1st half.

Trevor Miller took a free kick just outside the PC box that Josh White headed towards goal but the PC keeper grabbed the ball. Andrew Ley almost scored for Okemos with a long free kick that the PC goalie pushed against the post before it was cleared out of their end. Andrew Ley and David Brogan combined to stifle a PC attack for Okemos. The game got physical and fouls by PC players added up resulting in a free kick outside the PC box taken by Trevor Miller. The ball eventually found Fareed Jamalifaard whose shot from long range was high. Andrew Ley again won the ball for Okemos on defense and Jimmy Witzel dribbled into the PC end before the ball was cleared back out. Okemos continued to win loose balls as Eric Dow stole the ball and Zach Hudson dribbled around a PC defender but his shot was saved by their keeper. Mike Smith played a ball forward that ended up with Omar El-Hussieny who dribbled past the PC keeper but his shot was high of the mark. Omar then dribbled out between two PC players and Okemos were streaming into the PC end. Another shot by Mike Smith was saved in the PC goal before Alex Potter won a ball resulting in an Okemos throw in. Trevor Miller played a long ball forward that the PC keeper tried to get past Mike Smith, but instead it hit him and he lofted it up and into the net to give Okemos a 3-goal edge with seconds left in the 1st half. This goal by Mike Smith ties the season record for most scored in a season by an Okemos player, held by Bill Boyle.

Andy Ley congratulating Mike Smith on his 2nd goal.

The 2nd half started with Scott Branta making a run up the left wing before the ball was pushed out of play. PC counter attacked with a run up the right wing before Steven Topper scooped up the ball inside the box. Will Armstrong pushed past the midfield and played the ball to Scott Branta who was pushed off the ball but no foul was called. Trevor Miller took a free kick for Okemos and Scott Branta's shot was saved by the PC keeper. Andrew Ley stepped up to win a ball and was rewarded when Fareed Jamalifaard played a ball for him to run onto but his cross was collected by the goalie. Josh White won a ball in midfield before playing it into space up the right wing for David Brogan to collect. David was taken down from behind by a PC player and Okemos were awarded a free kick. David took a ball just inside the halfway line and dribbled through several defenders but his shot was saved by the PC keeper. David continued to move easily through the PC defense but this time his cross was dug out and the ball was cleared. David then found Trevor Miller open on the right side but his shot was saved by the PC goalie.

A very pumped-up Eric Dow after receiving the Regional Champ trophy.

David Brogan put on a dribbling clinic as he slid past several of the PC players before a defender cleared the ball out of play. Mike Smith stole the ball from a defender and dribbled towards the net but his shot was wide of the goal. Jonathon Cantu stole the ball for Okemos as they continued attacking the PC end. Fareed Jamalifaard won the ball on defense and quickly switched the field getting it to Zach Hudson whose cross went out of play. Steven Topper stepped up to cradle a ball played into the Okemos box before launching it to Ryan O’Conner. Omar El-Hussieny played a through ball for Scott Branta but his shot was wide of the mark. Steven Topper collected a ball from the feet of a PC attacker and released Ryan O’Conner who pushed the ball up the right wing. Josh White won another ball for Okemos before dribbling past three PC players and finding Alex Potter on the left wing. PC got an excellent scoring chance when one of their forwards played the ball into the Okemos box but Steven Topper made a nice save in net to keep a clean sheet. A PC forward took a long shot but Topper came up with the ball and Okemos were again on the attack. Okemos continued to press for the ball in the PC end as Omar El-Hussieny worked hard to hold the ball in the right corner. Jason Storey cleared a ball for Okemos up to Pat Gietzen who found Fareed Jamalifaard with a nice run up the right wing. Fa got past the defender and laid a beautiful ball off for Omar El-Hussieny but his shot was wide of the net as the game ended.

Final score: Okemos 3, Portage Central 0
Okemos record: 22-1-1
Saves by Topper: 3 first half, 5 second half

Articles about this match were published in the Lansing State Journal as well as the Kalamazoo Gazette.

Next up for Okemos: State Semi-Final game vs. Rochester Adams on 11/03/04 at 7:00 pm at Grand Blanc High School (click for maps).

Scouting report: Rochester Adams has a 2004 record of 12-7-1 with wins over Troy, Grand Blanc, Troy Athens, Royal Oak Kimball, and Bishop Foley and losses to Troy Athens, Clarkston, Rochester (2), Grand Blanc, and Warren DeLaSalle.

Steven Topper grabbing another close shot

OHS Wins 1st Round of Regionals
OHS 3, Holland 0
10/27/04
• Photos
• News article in the Holland Sentinel

Despite playing in the opponents territory OHS proved it's mettle with a decisive shut-out win over Holland in the 1st round of Regionals at Holland this evening.

Okemos met the Dutch of Holland on Wednesday night in the region 1-1 semifinal game on a cool and windy October afternoon. Okemos started out with a header by Mike Smith that was wide of the net. Fareed Jamalifaard played a ball into the Holland box but Mike Smith was unable to get his foot on it before it was played out. Will Armstrong stepped up on defense and stole the ball on a Holland attack as the pace of play picked up at both ends. Alex Potter dribbled past a defender on the left wing and crossed a nice ball into the box that Mike Smith headed into the back of the net for Okemos. Pat Rawsthorne dribbled into the Holland box and was tackled but no foul was given and the ball was cleared out by the Holland defense. At the other end, Holland were awarded a free kick just outside the Okemos 18-yard box. Steven Topper got his fingers on the shot and deflected it over the net to keep Holland from scoring. But Holland kept the pressure on with a shot across the goal mouth that was wide of the net. Okemos kept the ball in the Holland half and Trevor Miller stole a pass and crossed a ball that was punched out by the Holland keeper.

Mike Smith working his magic in the Holland goal box.

Steven Topper made another nice save on a shot from close range as a Holland attacker got behind the Okemos defense. Jimmy Witzel entered the game and immediately found the ball off a nice pass by David Brogan but his shot was high of the mark. Zach Hudson made a nice run up the right wing but his cross was cut out by the Holland keeper. Pat Rawsthorne took a ball inside the Okemos box and played it forward to Zach Hudson. Omar El-Hussieny almost scored when his header hit the post before the ball was saved by the Holland keeper on the rebound shot. Holland decided to have a go from long range but Steven Topper caught the shot and Okemos were again on the attack. Holland strung together some passes before Ryan O’Conner stole the ball and pushed it up the right wing. Trevor Miller dribbled past several Holland defenders before the ball fell to Omar El-Hussieny whose shot went in off the far post to double the Okemos lead. David Brogan dribbled past a slew of Holland players before the ball was cleared out of their end. Okemos continued to pass and attack, keeping the ball in the Holland half of the field. Mike Smith dribbled into the Holland box before his shot floated over the goal. Will Armstrong stepped up to win a ball and Ryan O’Conner kept the ball deep in the Holland half. Steven Topper stepped up to collect a ball off a free kick and launched it back into the Holland end. Holland played a ball into the Okemos box but Topper stepped up to claim it as the first half ended.

Jimmy Witzel taking a nice shot on goal.

The 2nd half saw more of the same spirited and passionate play from both teams. Fareed Jamalifaard stole the ball on defense as Okemos pushed into the Holland half and then Will Armstrong stole it in midfield sending it forward to Mike Smith. Holland attacked up the right wing but Will Armstrong slid the ball out of play for Okemos. Fareed Jamalifaard dribble across the midfield before playing a ball up to David Brogan on the left wing. David played a nice ball into the box for Zach Hudson but the Holland cleared the ball out of play. Holland were awarded a free kick just outside the Okemos box but the shot was wide of the net. Mike Smith crossed the ball deep into the Holland box and Jimmy Witzel headed it past the keeper but just wide of the far post. Trevor Miller dribbled past a Holland defender before crossing the ball into the box but Holland again cleared the ball out of danger. Andrew Ley and Pat Rawsthorne worked the ball out of the Okemos half before David Brogan’s shot was blocked by a Holland defender. Andrew Ley again stepped up for Okemos knocking a ball out of play deep in the box before the ball moved up the left wing.

Omar El-Hussieny shooting the ball home nicely.

Okemos players continued to work hard for every loose ball and pushing it back into the Holland half. Mike Smith held the ball before passing it back to Jimmy Witzel whose pass forward was eventually cleared out of play by Holland. David Brogan passed the ball into Mike Smith but Holland blocked a shot and pushed the ball behind their goal line. Will Armstrong took a long shot that flew high of the net as Okemos continued to pressure the goal. Holland counter attacked up the right wing before Steven Topper got his hand on a shot forcing it wide of the net and Eric Dow pushed the ball out of play. Mike Smith again found David Brogan but his shot was blocked and the ball was cleared. Holland had a go from long range but the shot flew over the net and out of play. Pat Rawsthorne stole the ball and dribbled deep into the Holland box before his shot hit the post and fell to the feet of Alex Potter, whose follow up shot was wide of the net. The ball slid into the box and Steven Topper pounced on it after a Holland corner kick. David Brogan dribbled past five Holland players before laying the ball off to Jimmy Witzel but his shot was over the net. Fareed Jamalifaard crossed the ball into the Holland box and it as headed forward and Mike Smith headed it past the keeper and into the net. Holland continued to attack and Will Armstrong and Josh White cleared the ball out of the Okemos box. Jonathon Cantu held the ball before passing it off to Scott Branta as Okemos continued to control play at both ends as the game drew to a close.

David Brogan launching one of his trademark long throw-ins.

Final score: Okemos 3, Holland 0
Okemos record: 21-1-1
Saves by Topper: 4 first half, 1 second half

Next up for Okemos: Regional Final game vs. Portage Central on 10/29/04 at Holland West Ottawa at 6 pm.

Scouting report: Portage Central, ranked #10 in the state at the end of the regular season, has an 19-4-0 record with wins over Holt, Jackson, Kalamazoo Central, Portage Northern (2), and East Kentwood. They lost to Forest Hills Central and St. Joseph.

OHS Wins District Championship
Match vs. Howell 4:0
10/23/04
• Photos... click here for information on ordering the game video
• News report in Brighton Argus newspaper

Okemos High School Boys Varsity Soccer won the District 4 Division 1 championship with an impressive 4:0 win over Howell on a rainy Saturday afternoon in Brighton to advance to the Regional playoffs next week in Holland. Okemos almost scored off ofthe kick off when Andrew Ley cleared a ball out of the Okemos half that the Howell keeper just managed to block before scooping it up. Shortly afterward, Trevor Miller crossed a nice ball into the box and Mike Smith scored of a powerful header that found the back of the net. David Brogan dribbled deep into the Howell box before playing the ball out in front, but a shot by Mike Smith was blocked and the ball was cleared out. Okemos continued to get scoring chances as they controlled the ball and kept attacking the Howell goal. Andrew Ley took a free kick and floated the ball into the Howell box and Trevor Miller blasted it into the corner of the net.

Ryan O'Conner trapping mid-air.

Mike Smith played a nice give and go with Alex Potter whose cross into the box was eventually shot over the net by Josh White. Alex Potter worked hard in midfield to win a ball and Fareed Jamalifaard played a nice ball forward that Alex ran onto before crossing the ball into the box. Pat Rawsthorne scored again for Okemos when a free kick taken by Andrew Ley was headed down by Mike Smith. Josh White slid a ball just wide of the post off an Okemos corner kick. Howell finally managed to get the ball in the Okemos end but Steven Topper scooped it up and cleared it out. Josh White made a nice run deep into the Howell half before the ball was scooped up by the Howell keeper. Will Armstrong stepped up on defense to steal the ball and Okemos were again on the attack. Eric Dow stepped in front of a Howell player to steal the ball and was brought down from behind just past the midfield circle. Zach Hudson and Fareed Jamalifaard played a give and go before Zach crossed the ball into the box. Pat Gietzen stole the ball at the Okemos end and played a ball forward that Omar El-Hussieny ran onto but the ball went out of play behind the Howell goal. Steven Topper made a save in net and cleared the ball back into the Howell end. Fareed Jamalifaard won the ball and played it forward up the right wing to Pat Gietzen who crossed it into the box where Omar El-Hussieny scored for Okemos as the half ended.

Jonathon Cantu winning a loose ball in the midfield.

The rain poured down as the 2nd half got underway with Steven Topper called into play early on a long Howell free kick. Josh White stepped up to clear a ball inside the Okemos box as Howell pressed for a goal. Steven Topper made a save in goal on another long shot off a free kick. The wet conditions and soggy turf made for some challenging play at both ends but Okemos continued to work hard controlling the ball and passing it around the field. David Shaheen stepped up to win a ball in midfield and Okemos pushed into the Howell half. Pat Rawsthorne played a ball into the right corner where it was cleared out of play. Pat continued to push up the right wing and crossed the ball into the box, but Jonathan Cantu was pushed out of the way as the ball slid past the goalie before it was cleared.

Scott Branta battling for a header near the Howell goal box.

Ryan O’Conner dribbled through several Howell defenders before being fouled. Will Armstrong cleared a ball out of the Okemos half as Howell pressed their attack. Pat Rawsthorne won another ball in the midfield and dribbled deep into the Howell end as his shot was parried wide by the Howell keeper. David Shaheen stole the ball in midfield as Okemos players pushed forward and Jonathon Cantu controlled the ball for Okemos before laying it off for Josh White.

Okemos midfield players and defenders worked tirelessly throughout the half to keep the ball and stifle Howell scoring chances. Steven Topper made a save in the Okemos goal and launched the ball back into the Howell half. Jason Storey passed the ball to David Shaheen who played it back to Josh White who cleared it out of the Okemos end. Jonathon Cantu played a nice ball forward that Zach Hudson ran onto, beating the keeper but his shot was cleared off the line by a Howell defender. Omar El-Hussieny played the ball back into the box but Alex Potter was unable to get his shot on target. Pat Gietzen made a run up the right wing and played a ball forward that Jonathon Cantu shot, but it was saved by the Howell goalie. Steven Topper blocked a long shot and then followed that up with a save on a rebound to ensure the Okemos shutout as the game ended.

Coach Guggemos handing the District Championship trophy over to the team.

The Chieftain Senior Class

Final score: Okemos 4, Howell 0
Okemos record: 20-1-1
Saves by Topper: 1 first half, 4 second half

Next game: 1st round of Div. 1 Regionals, Okemos vs. Holland, 10/27 at Holland West Ottawa, 5 pm. More information is available on the MHSAA Regionals at their website (see directions below).

The Chiefain Junior Class (plus Ian)

Scouting report: Holland finished the regular season with an 11-11-0 record and wins over West Ottawa, Muskegon and Mona Shores. They lost to Portage Central, Forest Hills Northern, Forest Hills Central, and East Kentwood. In the other Holland regional semifinal game, Portage Central plays East Kentwood.

Directions to Holland Regional fields @ West Ottawa High School: Click here for a map to the school. Take I-96 West to I-196 (Downtown GR). Follow I-196 to exit #55 – Business I-196 Holland/Zeeland. Follow Business I-196 west 5-miles to US 31 North. Turn right onto US 31 (North) and take that to Riley Street (West). Turn left onto Riley and take it to 136th Avenue (North). Turn right onto 136th and the soccer field is between Macatawa Bay Middle School and West Ottawa High School.

OHS Wins Semi-Final District Match vs. Hartland 3:0
10/21/04
(sorry, no photos; but click here for information on ordering the game video)

A solid performance all around by OHS despite mounting injuries on the team. Okemos High School Boys Varsity Soccer won their semifinal game vs. Hartland on Thursday evening in Brighton to advance to the final game on Saturday afternoon.

The game got underway on a crisp October evening with Okemos controlling play early and throughout. Will Armstrong made a nice run up the right wing before crossing the ball in to Mike Smith, but the keeper dove on the ball before he could get off a shot. David Brogan dribbled past two Hartland players before laying the ball off to Trevor Miller whose shot was wide of the mark. Andrew Ley played a nice ball in to Mike Smith but his shot was high and wide of the net. Hartland got an attack of their own before the ball was scooped up by Steven Topper.Alex Potter won the ball in midfield and dribbled up the left wing before his cross went over the backline and out of play. Alex again worked his way up the wing and into the box before his cross was slid out of play by Trevor Miller.

Scott Branta found Omar El-Hussieny before the ball was cleared by the Hartland defense. Mike Smith collided with the Hartland keeper and Scott Branta dribbled into the box with a shot that was saved in goal. Josh White headed the ball to Scott Branta but his shot was just outside the post. Hartland continued to defend with numbers inside their box and clear balls out. Eric Dow’s shot was just wide of the net as Okemos continued to get scoring chances. Josh White headed a ball that Scott Branta took off the volley and blasted into the back of the net to finally give Okemos a goal. Will Armstrong took a shot from outside the 18-yard box that was saved by the Hartland keeper. David Brogan stole the ball and passed it to Mike Smith whose low shot was saved by the Hartland goalie. Steven Topper saved a shot from long range and Okemos were again on the attack. Okemos continued to dominate play at both ends and manage shots but the Hartland defense was up to the task as the first half drew to a close.

The 2nd half saw more Okemos ball control and passing with steady pressure on the Hartland goal. Okemos had an early scoring chance when Trevor Miller crossed a ball that was headed towards goal by Mike Smith but the Hartland keeper made a diving save. Omar El-Hussieny then flicked a ball onto Zach Hudson who crossed the ball into the box and Mike Smith punched it into the back of the net. Zach then made a great run up the left wing and got past three Hartland defenders before blasting a shot into the net past the keeper. David Brogan then crossed another ball into the box but a header from Mike Smith was just wide of the net.

Okemos got another chance to score when a corner kick taken by Trevor Miller found the head of Josh White but his shot was saved by the keeper. Ryan O’Conner dribbled deep into the box before Scott Branta’s shot was just wide of the post. The Hartland keeper stepped up to make another save in net as Okemos continued to press for a goal. Pat Gietzen crossed the ball from the right side and Jonathon Cantu’s header was saved by the Hartland goalie. Eric Dow dribbled through several Hartland players before crossing the ball, but Okemos were whistled for an offsides. Steven Topper made a save in goal after a long shot and Okemos were again on the attack. Andrew Ley took a free kick that floated just over the net. Scott Branta ran onto a long ball but was unable to get a shot on net. Jason Storey stepped up to claim a ball and pushed it back into the Hartland half as the game ended.

Final score: Okemos 3, Hartland 0
Okemos record: 19-1-1
Saves by Topper: 1 first half, 1 second half

Next up for Okemos: District Final match vs. Howell on 10/23/04 at 4:00 pm at Sloan Field in Brighton.

Scouting report: Howell finished the regular season with a 7-8-3 record and wins over Brighton (2:1) and Milford. They lost to South Lyon, Lakeland and Novi, and also tied South Lyon 1:1 earlier in the season.

OHS Wins 1st Round District Match vs. Brighton in OT
10/19/04
(sorry, no photos; but click here for information on ordering the game video)

In what will surely go down as another classic match between these two Division I teams, Okemos moves into the District 4-1 semifinal match with an impressive win over Brighton. The history between these teams seems to bring out the best in both of them, including last year when Okemos knocked Brighton (which were nationally ranked at the time) out of the state tournament in the District final.

This match was closely contested by both sides with lots of passion, hard tackles and opportunities to score. Halftime score was 0-0 and both teams picked up their intensity in the 2nd half working for the win. Okemos had many chances to score but couldn't seem to hit the target, with several shots just wide or hitting the post. Brighton had shots on goal but Okemos keeper, Steven Topper, kept them in the game with quality saves in the net.

The game went into golden goal overtime before Zach Hudson scored a beautiful header for Okemos off a cross by Trevor Miller with just 3:50 remaining in the first 15-minute period to give Okemos the win. Topper had 9 saves in goal for Okemos and Mitch Howell had 8 saves in the net for Brighton. Okemos will meet Hartland in the District Semifinal game on Thursday, while Brighton ended the season with a record of 9-6-4. An online news report of the game from the Brighton area Press & Argus newspaper is available.

Final score: Okemos 1, Brighton 0 (OT)
Okemos record: 18-1-1
Saves by Topper: 3 first half, 5 second half, 1 OT

Next up for Okemos: District semifinal game vs. Hartland on 10/21/04 at 7:00 pm at Sloan Field in Brighton

Scouting report: Hartland has a 4-10-3 record for 2004 and tied Howell 3:3 during the regular season. They lost twice to Brighton during the regular season.