Hillsdale Academy Wins District Title Over Jackson Christian in OT Thriller

Photos by Joseph Miller, JTV Sports

Trey Richmond | JTV Sports

Friday, October 23rd

(10-23-2026): On a mild afternoon with a vibrant autumn backdrop, the Hillsdale Academy Colts claimed the district title over the Jackson Christian Royals in overtime at Hillsdale College’s Hayden Park.

The district final match started with fireworks. The Colts busted out of the gates scoring within the second minute. Justin Busby found Danny Aburto-Rodriguez who sent the ball into the bottom right corner to take the early 1-0 lead. The Colts controlled the ball for much of the first half, but with 1:26 remaining the Royals drew a foul in the penalty box that led to Drew Barney cashing in on the penalty kick to even the match at one goal just before half.

To start the second half, Hillsdale Academy broke away quickly, trying to match their early success in the first half, but Daniel Loew came up with the save. The Colts continued controlling possession in the second half, with the first five shots going towards the Royals net. That persistent push set up a penalty kick where Aburto-Rodriguez faked right and the goalie followed, but the ball found the back of the net on the left and the Colts regained the lead 2-1.

Fifteen minutes later after several offensive pushes from the Royals they were once again fouled in the box, which gave Barney an opportunity to secure a brace for himself and to tie the match. He did just that, but it did not come drama free like his first penalty kick. He launched a missile to the bottom right corner that appeared to be saved by Robert Whalen, but it bounced off his glove and rolled into the back of the net. Only 8:03 remained in regulation and each team tallied just one more shot. With the score knotted at 2 and a district title on the line, the Colts and Royals headed to overtime.

In the first 10 minute half of overtime there were only two shots, both by the Colts, one off target and the other saved by Leow.

The second half of overtime started similar to the beginning of the match. The Colts charged down the field and from the far left side of the penalty box Andrew Richards sent a cross to the right side of the goalie box where Justin Busby scored, taking a 3-2 lead within a minute of the second overtime period beginning. The Colts controlled the remainder of the match outshooting the Royals five to zero.

Hillsdale Academy took the district title over Jackson Christian 3-2 in overtime. The Colts advance to regional action where they will take on Ypsilanti Arbor Prep at Lincoln Soccer Stadium in Ypsilanti on Tuesday, October 27th at 7pm.

Jackson Christian was outshot 8-0 in overtime and Hillsdale Academy outshot them 25 to eight overall.

The Colts’ Danny Aburto-Rodriguez recorded two goals in regulation. Justin Busby had an overtime goal and an assist in regulation.

Both of the Royals goals were scored on penalty kicks by Drew Barney.

It was a physical match with five yellow cards awarded; four to the Royals and one to the Colts.

*All Stats are Unofficial*