By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Three years ago, MSHSAA changed the district soccer tournament formats for Classes 2-4.
They condensed each class from 16 districts to eight, which eliminated the sectional round of the state playoffs.
Logan-Rogersville coach Brett Wubbena did not feel encouraged about the change.
“The boys’ team had never won districts before. I’m thinking, ‘Well, we’re never going to win now,’” Wubbena said.
Little did he know, things were about to get really good for the Wildcats.
Logan-Rogersville hoisted its third district title in four years with a dramatic 2-1 win in double-overtime win over Bolivar on Tuesday night in the Class 2 District 5 championship game.
Going 3-for-4 in district titles the last four years is quite the accomplishment for a program that had never won districts until the 2021 season – the first year in the new district format.
“We just have the right kids and they’re hungry to win. I really like this team,” Wubbena said.
Sophomore Jason Bevzyuk delivered the golden goal in the 100th minute.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE MATCH
On a pinpoint feed from senior midfielder Zane Winslow, Bevzyuk got behind the middle of Bolivar’s defense and converted to end the marathon match.
“All I saw was both of their center backs were really wide, so I took the opening and went for it,” Bevzyuk said.
Winslow, who previously played at New Covenant Academy in Springfield, said the play developed like a blur.
“I don’t even know how I got the ball, honestly,” Winslow said. “I just turned on it and then I heard Jason screaming. I saw him running and just played it to him.”
Winslow added some friendly ribbing for his teammate.
“The one time Jason decided to sprint all night was right there. At least we scored,” Winslow said. “But no, he’s been really good for our team and he’s scored a lot of game-winners.”
Logan-Rogersville (19-5-1 overall) moves on to face Marshall (20-5 overall) this Saturday in the Class 2 quarterfinal round.
The road matchup is also a mini-family reunion for Tuesday’s hero. Bevzyuk has a cousin who plays on the Marshall team.
“Before the second overtime tonight, I said, ‘Jason, let’s go meet your cousin,’” Wubbena said. “You could sense it in him. It meant something.”
Logan-Rogersville took an early lead Tuesday night on Carson Callen’s goal in the 3rd minute. He capitalized on a second-chance opportunity just to the left of the net.
Bolivar got the equalizer on a picture-perfect goal in the 37th minute. Canyon Adams headed in Jordan Burke’s crosser to bring the Liberators level.
The second half saw plenty of close calls – 1-v-1’s and shots off the crossbar or post – but no goals.
“There was energy going into that second half. Once overtime started, everyone seemed to have heavy legs,” Wubbena said. “You could tell it was tough for everyone.”
Winslow, a co-captain for Logan-Rogersville, has battled knee issues most of the season. He sat out the last week of the regular season to get ready for districts.
“That kid has got a ton of heart,” Wubbena said. “I know he’s hurting. He’s a senior and it’s hard to keep a kid like that off the field.”
Tuesday night’s contest was the rubber match for Logan-Rogersville and Bolivar after the two teams split a pair of regular season meetings. The Wildcats are now 6-1 against the Liberators dating back to the 2022 season – five of those seven contests were decided by one-goal margins.
“I like playing (Bolivar) because it’s always a good game,” Wubbena said. “They’ve been in our conference and district for so long that it’s become a good rivalry between us.”
Bolivar finishes a tremendous season at 19-5 overall. The Liberators, behind a large senior class, were looking to win the program’s first district title since 2020.