Wildcats Pull Away in Second Half for 5-1 Win Over Columbus St Charles
| 1H | 2H | ET | PK | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| COL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
BEXLEY, Ohio - Saint Ignatius broke open a halftime tie with four unanswered goals in the second half Saturday, earning a 5-1 victory over Columbus St Charles in a rematch of the 2024 state championship game. The Wildcats found another gear in the hot Columbus-area conditions, pairing a productive attack with a shutout defensive effort after halftime.
Walter Blouch opened the scoring for Saint Ignatius, giving the Wildcats the early advantage. Columbus St answered from the penalty spot in the first half, sending the match into halftime tied 1-1. That penalty kick proved to be the opponent's only goal as Saint Ignatius tightened its defensive shape and controlled the decisive stretches after the break.
The Wildcats' attack surged in the second half. Gavin Woodhams scored twice, junior Hunter Short added a goal and Matt Smith converted a header off a corner kick. The four-goal half turned a close championship rematch into a convincing season-opening result, with Saint Ignatius consistently creating dangerous chances from open play and set pieces.
Gavin Woodhams delivered a standout two-goal performance in the Wildcats' scoring effort. At the other end, Johnny Mulloy, an Air Force Academy commit, helped lock down Columbus St throughout the second half. Saint Ignatius did not concede after the intermission, allowing its attack to build the margin while the defense protected the lead.
The Wildcats return home to face Twinsburg High School on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, at 7 p.m. EDT. Saint Ignatius will look to build on the four-goal second half and the defensive response that secured the 5-1 road victory.
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