Alpena High School’s boys soccer team turned a strong tournament performance into the top spot at the Sunrise Side Soccer Challenge, winning all three of its matches and outscoring opponents 14-2. The Wildcats defeated Grayling 4-2 in the opener before beating Cheboygan 5-0 in consecutive games, including the championship rematch.
The tournament was played Saturday, according to The Alpena News. Alpena’s quick start against Grayling set the tone: Joe LaCross scored 16 seconds into the opener on an assist from Jackson Birmingham. Sam Bastow then doubled the lead before halftime after receiving a pass from Jackson Natzel.
Reece Dragiewicz extended Alpena’s advantage early in the second half. Grayling answered with two goals, but Birmingham added Alpena’s fourth goal to secure the 4-2 victory.
Balanced scoring drives Alpena’s run
Alpena continued its offensive pace against Cheboygan in the second match. Dragiewicz opened the scoring, followed by goals from Mason Burns, Greyson Christensen Cooper, LaCross and Garrett Chabot. Bastow contributed two assists in the 5-0 win.
The championship rematch produced another 5-0 result. Dragiewicz scored first and later assisted on goals by LaCross and Bastow. Parker Kaiser added a goal on a corner kick from Birmingham, who also scored late on a cross from Natzel.
Eight different players scored across the tournament. LaCross and Dragiewicz led the Wildcats with six points apiece, giving Alpena contributions throughout its lineup rather than relying on a single scorer.
“Success in tournament play requires contributions from everyone on the roster, and that is what we had today,” Dragiewicz said.
Dragiewicz, who also serves as the team’s coach, said Alpena’s balanced attack strengthened the team’s ability to compete and made it more difficult for opponents to defend. He also credited the full roster after the opening victory, noting that players received significant minutes and maintained possession while playing unselfishly.
Defense closes out championship rematch
Josh LaCross and Jayden Crandall combined for the shutout against Cheboygan in the championship match. Dragiewicz praised Alpena’s back line and specifically highlighted outside backs Bryson Collegnon and Jacob Krey for their performances.
“Our defense was solid all day, and I thought our outside backs of Bryson Collegnon and Jacob Krey played exceptionally well.”
The Wildcats’ tournament results gave them the Sunrise Side Soccer Challenge title while showcasing both the team’s scoring depth and its defensive consistency.