When the whistle blew at Grand Ledge High School on a crisp Saturday afternoon, the Yellowjackets of Detroit Country Day were already humming with confidence. A three‑goal burst in the first half set the tone, and by the time the final whistle sounded the score read 4‑1 – a decisive win that handed the team its 16th state championship and cemented coach Steve Bossert’s second title at the school.
Early fireworks and a halftime lead
The match kicked off with South Haven’s senior keeper Alex Jaimes, who had been averaging just over a goal per game in the regionals, looking sharp. Yet the Yellowjackets weren’t about to let him have an easy night. Within ten minutes, sophomore Rye Clegg rose above the fray and thumped a header from the edge of the box, giving Detroit Country Day a 1‑0 lead.
That early strike seemed to unlock something in the Yellowjackets’ attack. Freshman Philip Mateer, after slipping past his defender, delivered a clever roulette move that opened a lane for senior forward Yousef Darwich. Darwich’s low‑driven shot forced Jaimes into a reflex save, but the rebound fell to Mateer, who slotted home the second goal just before the half‑hour mark.
Coach Bossert, watching from the sideline, noted that the early pressure forced South Haven onto the back foot. “When we score early, we can dictate the tempo and make the other side chase the ball,” he said. “It’s like setting the tempo for a dance – the other team has to follow our rhythm.”
Not content with a two‑goal cushion, the Yellowjackets pressed again before the break. Senior forward Micah Zacks, a veteran presence on the roster, found himself in space on the right flank. He cut inside and fed a precise cut‑back to senior midfielder Tino Haratsaris, whose deft pass split the defense and allowed Zacks to finish with a rising effort that made it 3‑0 with just over 18 minutes left in the first half.
Key contributors and tactical nuances
Detroit Country Day’s offensive firepower was on full display, but the balance came from a blend of seasoned veterans and hungry underclassmen. Hararsaris, who entered the final with 22 goals and 19 assists on the season, was the engine behind many of the team’s scoring chances. His chemistry with Zacks, forged over nearly a hundred matches, showed in the way he seemed to anticipate the forward’s runs.
Assistant coach Ricardo Lopes, who works closely with the team’s attacking drills, explained the duo’s success. “We practice that cut‑back every day. It’s a simple concept – the ball goes to the wing, then the midfielder finds the striker cutting inside. When you trust each other, the execution is almost automatic.”
On the defensive side, South Haven’s Jaimes kept the Yellowjackets honest, making a handful of spectacular saves, including a double‑digit effort in the second half. Yet the relentless pressure from Country Day’s midfield forced him into uncomfortable positions, limiting his ability to organize the back line.
Midway through the second half, with the score sitting at 3‑0, Country Day added a fourth. Hararsaris, again the creative spark, slipped a ball to Zacks on the far side of the box. Zacks, who had already netted twice, took a quick touch and fired a low shot past Jaimes, sealing the victory.
Coach Bossert’s journey and the program’s legacy
Steve Bossert’s name is now etched alongside the greats who have guided Detroit Country Day to state glory. His first title came in Division 2 back in 2018, and after a brief stint as runner‑up in D3 two seasons ago, he reclaimed the top spot this year. “Every season we start with a clean slate,” Bossert reflected. “We go to Boyne Mountain for a preseason tournament, test ourselves against top competition, and if we can hold our own there, we know we have a shot at the state title.”
The program’s history reads like a highlight reel of Michigan high‑school soccer. Sixteen championships overall, a tradition of producing college‑ready talent, and a reputation for disciplined, possession‑based play have made Country Day a perennial powerhouse.
Senior forward Micah Zacks, who wore his jersey number proudly, summed up the feeling of adding another trophy to the cabinet. “We’ve got all the numbers on our practice shirts,” he joked. “Seeing them on the real thing feels amazing.”
South Haven’s valiant effort
South Haven entered the final as an underdog, having upset several top‑15 teams on their way to the championship match. Their lone goal came late, when junior Jaden Bolhuis launched a 35‑yard strike that rattled the net’s upper‑corner. The effort was a reminder that the Rams possessed firepower, even if they were outgunned on the day.
Rams senior Alex Jaimes, despite the loss, earned praise for his composure. “We tried to stay organized and keep the ball moving,” he said. “Country Day’s pressure was relentless, but we gave it our all.”
Season recap and what lies ahead
The Yellowjackets’ road to the title was anything but smooth. After a 1‑0 loss to Forest Hills Central at the Boyne Mountain Invitational, the team rebounded with a series of wins, including a crucial victory over Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in the district round and a hard‑fought win against Ann Arbor Greenhills in regionals.
Statistically, Detroit Country Day finished the season with a 22‑2‑1 record, boasting the top MPR (match points rating) in the state. Their offensive output—averaging over three goals per game—paired with a stingy defense that allowed just under a goal per match.
Looking forward, the seniors will be bidding farewell, but the underclassmen are already stepping into larger roles. Freshman Mateer’s roulette move and Bolhuis’s long‑range strike hint at a promising future, while Hararsaris and Zacks leave a legacy of leadership and work ethic for the next generation.
Final thoughts
In the end, the 4‑1 scoreline was more than just numbers on a board; it was a testament to a program that blends experience with youthful exuberance, tactical discipline with creative flair. As the Yellowjackets lifted the D3 trophy, the cheers echoing across Grand Ledge’s field were a reminder that in high‑school sports, every championship is a story of community, dedication, and the pure love of the game.
