Ogden High Soccer: A Dynasty Forged in Dominance
Ogden High School’s boys soccer program has not simply established itself on the map – it has built a dynasty, achieving unprecedented success in recent years. Neither the girls nor the boys program has experienced a losing season since 2016, but it’s the boys’ team, under the guidance of coach Todd Scott, that currently reigns supreme, fresh off a second consecutive 3A state championship and poised for continued dominance in 2026.
Back-to-Back Champions: An Unblemished Run
The Tigers’ latest campaign arguably surpasses even their previous triumphs. The team, largely comprised of players from their 2024 championship squad, etched their names in school history as the first to achieve back-to-back titles, culminating in an undefeated 18-0 record. This remarkable feat was sealed with a 2-1 victory over No. 6 Morgan at America First Field in May.
A region championship and challenging postseason matchups against rivals Morgan and Ben Lomond – both formidable Northern Utah programs – only amplified the significance of Ogden’s flawless season.
A Legacy of Success, Reborn
Historically, Ogden High has celebrated three state titles under different leadership – Dee Minnoch in 2000, Ryan Robinson in 2002, and Sterling Castle in 2005. However, this spring, coach Todd Scott broke new ground, becoming the first coach in program history to secure multiple championships with the Tigers.
Scott, now in his tenth season leading the Ogden program, ended a 19-year title drought with his 2024 team, defeating Manti 4-1 on the same Sandy turf where they would later claim their second consecutive title. The Tigers currently boast an impressive 27-game winning streak, just three victories shy of matching Dawain Wheatley’s state record of 30 consecutive wins at Wasatch High School from 2011 to 2012.
“You don’t deviate from any game or walk-through practices just because it’s the semis or the finals,” Scott explained in a May interview, emphasizing his commitment to consistency. “You never deviate from the plans.”
Key Players and Unsung Heroes
The 2025 Standard-Examiner All-Area Boys Soccer Team of the Year was built on a foundation of exceptional talent and unwavering teamwork. Goalkeeper Xavier Peregrina, a three-year starter and All-Area First Team selection, anchored the defense. He developed alongside future captains Luis Velasco (25 assists, 18 goals) and Jace Rodriguez (23 goals, 7 assists) from a young age.
A strong defensive line, featuring seniors Brayden Wilson, Diovani Arevalo, and Corbin Reed, combined with a dynamic midfield, provided a formidable barrier for opponents, contributing to 11 shutouts and 180 saves by Peregrina throughout the season. The team’s postseason goal differential stood at an impressive 18-2, allowing just two goals across all playoff games.
“We all knew it was coming,” Peregrina said in a May interview. “We all played around each other, and we knew that once we’d get on a big team, we’d be too much to handle.”
Rivalries and Defining Moments
Ogden’s path to the championship was marked by key victories, including decisive wins over Davis (3-0) and Layton (2-2, won in penalty kicks) during their non-region schedule. They dominated their region, finishing with a perfect 10-0 record, and navigated a challenging state tournament bracket.
The rivalry with Ben Lomond remains a cornerstone of Ogden’s soccer identity. “It’s always Ogden versus Ben Lomond, that’s the game,” Rodriguez stated in a May interview. “That’s the game with the Iron Horse, with soccer, with everything that’s us against them. To come in here and play them it means something more than just a soccer game. You’re representing the school.” Francisco Rivas secured a crucial overtime victory against Ben Lomond in the semifinals, capping off a late play initiated by Gabe Liptrap.
In the championship game, Ogden faced a resilient Morgan team, led by senior Sam Sugden, who had overcome a slow start to reach the final. After a 1-1 tie, Jace Rodriguez delivered the decisive blow with a penalty kick in the final minutes, securing the Tigers’ second consecutive title.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter
Despite the departure of eight seniors, including standout player Luis Velasco – the 2025 Standard-Examiner All-Area Boys Soccer Player of the Year and a Utah Gatorade Player of the Year nominee – Ogden’s future remains bright. Velasco, who will continue his soccer career at North Idaho College, offered advice to his teammates: “It all just depends on how hard you work and how you lift each other up. They have those important roles, like with (Rodriguez) and (Peregrina), they’ll have a new squad coming in, but I feel like with their leadership, they’ll help the newcomers feel welcomed and able to perform.”
The legacy of success established by coach Scott and the 2025 team sets a high bar for the future, but the foundation is firmly in place for Ogden High to continue its reign as a dominant force in Utah high school soccer.
