St. Patrick breaks through for first boys soccer championship in nearly a decade
Tristan Davis’ rainbow first-half shot into the upper back corner of the net was the difference in St. Patrick’s long-awaited return to the top.
The Fighting Irish are state champions for the first time since 2017 after taking down St. Andrew’s in the Class I boys soccer title game in Jackson on Friday.
Davis, the MVP of the match, launched a towering kick from 60 feet away on the far sideline less than 20 minutes into the game, and it found its way into the thin window between the goalkeeper’s outstretched hands and the top of the far post.
“We worked so hard for this for so long and to finally hold that gold ball, it’s pretty incredible,” coach Ryan Worsham said after the game.
The Irish survived a card-riddled evening thanks to the protection of goalie John Dreger and an experienced senior-heavy roster.
St. Patrick won its first South State crown in three attempts under fifth-year coach Worsham in the semifinal before finally breaking through and bringing home a gold ball.
“We wanted to challenge ourselves (this season) and we did that,” Worsham said. “We hit some bumps in the road, but this group came together, collectively, really worked on our mental toughness and that pushed us to the end.”
St. Patrick swept the title matches following the girls win earlier in the evening.
This story was originally published February 20, 2026 at 10:03 PM.
