Whetstone Boys Soccer: From Historic Win to State Playoff Ambitions

Columbus — Success at Whetstone has been a long time coming. A City League Championship, a home playoff game, double-digit wins, and countless other accomplishments could fill a list. Some milestones are easy to remember, while others are part of a history that stretches too far back to fully trace.

Even Whetstone boys soccer coach Noah Creagh can’t remember the last time the team hosted a home playoff game. “We did clinch City North for the first time since 2013,” Creagh said, “but I honestly can’t recall the last time Whetstone boys soccer hosted a tournament match.” Regardless of how much can be recalled or traced, what truly matters is that the Braves have earned their current position.

On October 10th, the Braves took on the West Cowboys in their first City League Championship game since 2013. Coach Creagh emphasized that their focus remained the same. “We prepared the same way we have for every other challenge: practice with maximum effort and focus.” That approach paid off, as Whetstone defeated West 2-1, securing the City League Championship at Historic Crew Stadium for their first league title since 2012.

For Whetstone, the journey doesn’t end at Historic Crew Stadium. The Braves are fully committed to making a deep run in the state playoffs, which kick off on Wednesday in the district round. As the top seed in their bracket with a 5-seed ranking, they’ll have the chance to host both the semifinals and finals—if they win their first game. While Coach Creagh can’t recall the last time the team was in this position, his belief in their potential is unwavering. “I am very confident that as long as our guys maintain their focus and finish strong, we can make a run,” he said.

Part of Coach Creagh’s confidence stems from the team’s experience, with 18 seniors and juniors anchoring the roster. With 12 juniors potentially returning in 2025, this could be the start of a two-year run as the Braves work to build a lasting program. Their experience will be tested on home turf against Mount Vernon, another battle-hardened team, setting the stage for a tough playoff clash.

Coach Creagh emphasized the critical role of his senior leaders in the team’s success. “Leadership from our upperclassmen has been vital this year,” he said. “I believe that our seniors—Elias Sellman Skinner, Noah Knostman, Holden Schmitt, Felix Martin, Maceo Norris, and Eric Martinez—have all helped establish a solid foundation for the younger players.”

From the summer, Coach Creagh sensed something special about this team. “We played some high-level squads and competed very well, even while missing key players, so I would say we knew this could be a very good team back in the summer,” he recalled. The combination of strong leadership, a relentless fighting spirit, and deep depth extending to the bench helped the Braves navigate a successful regular season.

As the team enters the “survive and advance” phase of the playoffs, the focus remains on growth and making as deep a run as possible. However, the vision goes beyond just this season. “We are a program that is continuing to build and improve year after year. The goal is to consistently become a force in local high school soccer,” Coach Creagh said.

Coach Creagh is determined to prove that Whetstone isn’t just set for a two-year run, but is building a program with staying power. “Great leadership and excellent team chemistry have been major factors in our success, and I believe we’ve laid a strong foundation for the future of Whetstone soccer.”