Notre Dame, Jackson renew soccer rivalry

A local soccer rivalry is renewed on Wednesday, April 3, when Jackson hosts Notre Dame.

Jackson looks to continue its winning ways having won six straight district championships, including a trip to the final four in 2018. Notre Dame is looking to return to such success, having not won a district title since its run of three straight state championship games (winning two) from 2017-19.

“We have our hopes high for this season,” Notre Dame head coach Ryan Schweain said earlier in the season.

Jackson has built a tough schedule to start the season, including two St. Louis area schools in the Lady Indian Showcase on March 22-23. The Indians split with a 2-0 loss against Marquette and a 3-1 win over Helias Catholic.

“We need games like this,” Jackson coach Justin McMullen said earlier in the season. “This is why our schedule is the way it is. We want to prepare ourselves for the end of the season.”

Shortly after, the Indians also took down another rival in its 3-0 win over Saxony Lutheran on March 26. Saxony made the final four last year and is still a team that McMullen says will, “make a deep run in the playoffs in their class.”

A welcomed addition to this year’s dynamic is freshman Rachel Berger, who scored two goals against Saxony Lutheran.

“You don't see that a lot of times as a freshman; they get a little bit anxious,” McMullen said. “She continues to be a player that gets better and better.”

Notre Dame has faired well against the local competition so far this year, with a 3-2 win over Cape Central (3/21) and an 8-0 win over Sikeston (3/26). Maya Thebeau scored a hat trick in the Battle of the Bulldogs, while Addison Clippard scored two goals against the Tigers.

“It’s so fun,” Thebeau said. “I love being a forward on this team. Everyone scores, it’s not just me so it’s really fun that we all get to work together to finish these games.”

The game kicks off at 6:30 p.m., at Jackson Junior High School in Jackson, Mo.