Belle Vernon claims first boys soccer title as No. 10 seed
The Leopards defeated Quaker Valley in double overtime to end their drought, marking the lowest seed to win the WPIAL crown since 2018.
By Sakura Ellis ·
Belle Vernon High School won its first boys soccer championship on Saturday by defeating Quaker Valley 1-0 in double overtime. The victory completed a district run in which the Leopards, seeded 10th, defeated the seventh, second, third, and ninth seeds. The win secured the program’s first title in its history.
Coach Tyler Caterino, now in his second year leading the team, noted that the squad faced skepticism throughout the season. The Leopards dropped from Class 3A to Class 2A and failed to win a section title, which kept them off many radars. Despite the low expectations, the team finished with an 18-1-2 record. Caterino posted on social media on Sunday, asking if the public was a believer yet.
The winning goal came from a specific set of plays. Chris Showman, an All-WPIAL player, sent a long free kick from the center of the field. Jordan Jerome headed the ball into the net to secure the golden winner. Showman described the team’s culture as one of intensity and unselfishness. He said the group relies on desire and heart, attributes he credited to the coaching staff.
Caterino explained that the team’s identity is built on a defensive strategy that prioritizes possession and creates high-quality chances. He stated that the players have trusted this process for two years. He added that the goal was to create a family that works hard and supports one another, a standard he believes the team is currently meeting.
The Leopards are the lowest-seeded team to win the WPIAL title since Shady Side Academy in 2018. Shady Side won as the 11th seed that year. The Bulldogs also hold a previous record as the 15th seed in 2015. Belle Vernon’s success challenges the narrative that the team was fighting above its weight class. The result suggests the 10th seed was a favorite hiding behind a low ranking.
Caterino said the team’s approach to attacking and defending has improved drastically since his arrival. He views the current season as a part of an ongoing process. The team now begins the PIAA playoffs at home on Wednesday night. Their opponent is Somerset, who has a 14-2-4 record.
