It's a nice view from the top of 2A for Columbus' boys, girls soccer squads

The Columbus Blue Devils are dominating Class 2A soccer, with both the boys and girls holding the No. 1 spot on the Score Atlanta Week 5 Soccer Rankings. While the boys seek to defend their historic state title, the girls are determined to clinch their first after falling just short to Wesleyan (3-1) in last years GHSA Class 3A semifinals.

The girls' squad has owned the No. 1 ranking since Week 1 and hasnt looked back. Boasting an 8-1 record and a six-game win streak, their sole loss came on the road in a non-conference and out-of-state matchup against powerhouse Auburn High School (AL) currently ranked 11th in the nation and third in Alabama.

The Lady Blue Devils, who sit at No. 20 in the Peach State and No. 53 nationwide, have controlled region play (3-0), recently showcasing their offensive firepower with a 13-0 victory and season-high scoring performance against in-region rival, Carver-Columbus, followed by another dominant 10-0 triumph over Hardaway.

However, the ultimate mission remains unfinished. Last season, the team came within reach of the title, but their deep playoff run ended in a crushing defeat to Wesleyan in the semifinals. Now competing in 2A, the Lady Blue Devils have their sights set on making history and securing the programs first-ever state championship.

The team has been very resilient and mentally tough in times when we are tested. They have worked for each other and continued to fight throughout each game, said head coach Catherine Lovin, now in her ninth season with the Lady Blue Devils. So many players have made an impact, but were led by a great group of seniors -- Brooklyn Adams, Jace Herd, Ally Lofton, and Leah Woods.

On the boys side, the Blue Devils are eyeing back-to-back titles after defeating Hebron Christian (2-1) in extra time last season to secure the first soccer state championship in school history. Their dominant 2024 season also earned them a fifth region title since 2016, along with several players honored with all-state and all-region selections. Goalkeeper Ryan Collins (Class of 2025) was named Class 3A Player of the Year.

Last year we had a very strong senior class that led us to our championship, along with Coach Torres, who is now the head coach over at Parkview. That core there was just next level. We had five players go play at the college level, head coach Brad Casper, in his eighth season with the Blue Devils, shared while reflecting on last seasons success.

Now, in 2A, the Blue Devils are off to a strong start with a 7-2 record and a perfect 2-0 mark in the region.

We went into this year knowing we were going to have to rebuild because we graduated eight starters. Weve gotten lucky that our two returning seniors that are starting have maintained their production, and weve had a few younger players step up and close some of the gaps, Casper said. Were not quite where we were, were still trying to work towards that, but we are progressing towards being where we need to be.

When asked what it will take to defend the state championship, Casper stated, Grit. A lot of grit and hard work.

Theyre going to have to fight, come out with intensity and intention, sticking to our game plan, which is going to mean we're gonna need to maintain possession of the ball to limit the other teams chances of attack, while maximizing our chances to attack so that way we can find the back of the net more than the other team so that way we can win our games.

Both teams are off to an impressive start and, together, have put Columbus in Georgias 2A soccer spotlight. Should the momentum persist, the Blue Devils are poised to make history and bring home two titles this year.

Its amazing to see both programs succeeding. We want to play the best so we can be the best in our classification, Casper shared.