Lady Owls Team 2026 Championship Photo
District 5A Semifinals were held at Jackson County. Smith County played Cannon County. The previous meeting between these two teams was a 3-0 road win for the Lady Owls. This night would see Smith County advance in the tournament with a 4-0 win over Cannon County. Senior Aubree Spain had a hat trick that included a free kick and a penalty kick, while Kylie Ciapperini also added a goal to the scoreboard.
Next up was Jackson County vs York Institute who in their previous meeting had a 3-3 draw, but Jackson County was determined and advanced with a 4-0 win to make it to the Championship game for the first time in 10 years. The last time Jackson County found themselves in this position was 2017 in which they also hosted the tournament and played Smith County in the Championship game.
Celebration of goal from Kylie Chiapperini vs Cannon County (Courtney Haley, Matty Walker, Kylie, Julie Bowker, Aubree Spain)
Thursday October 15, 2026
District 5A Championship game between Jackson County and Smith County. It was a physical, hard-fought battle, both teams came with something to fight for and fight they did. At the half the Lady Owls were up by a score of 2-1. Senior Aubree Spain scored first on a PK and five minutes later Jackson County answered with a goal to tie it up. With less than a minute left in the first half Matty Walker would score with an assist from Julie Bowker to make it 2-1. The second half Jackson County would score first, leveling the game at 2-2 in the first 6 minutes. It was a tense second half but with less than four minutes left in the game Matty Walker sent the ball in from the corner and Spain made sure it stayed put. This was the game winner but there was still a very intense few minutes left to protect that lead and secure the Championship, which they did.
Aubree Spain kicks the PK vs Jackson County
Smith County Lady Owls are the 2026 District 5A Champions. Jackson County are the District Runner-up. The Lady Owls had a few other trophies from the tournament: Catie Belle McCarter is the District Goalkeeper of the year (pictured top left), Julie Bowker is the District Midfielder of the year (top center) Aubree Spain is the District MVP (top right). Lexie White and Mattie West were named to the District 2nd team (bottom right) while Chloe Gill, Courtney Haley and Matty Walker were all named to the District 1st team. (bottom center)
Region 3A Semifinals will take place Tuesday October 20th, with Smith County hosting Innovation Academy and Jackson County traveling to Merrol Hyde. The winners of those two games will meet in the Region Championship on Thursday October 22nd and Sectionals will take place on Saturday October 24th.
(article and photos provided by Vivian Schaffers)
