SHAWN DIGIANFELICE

Sports Writer

Cascade made history Thursday night, battling past Forrest 2-1 to capture the program’s first-ever boys region championship.

The Champions were tested early as Forrest struck first in the 12th minute on a long shot from about 25 yards out. But Cascade answered with composure. In the 20th minute, Slade Austin took a ball from Trenton Giel, worked his way past four defenders and finished a shot into the upper right corner from around 20 yards out to even the match at 1-1.

Cascade grabbed the lead before halftime when Logan Haddock capitalized on a bouncing ball in the box in the 35th minute, putting the Champions in front 2-1. >From there, Cascade’s defense stood tall.

Forrest continued to apply pressure, but the Champions held firm and limited quality looks on goal over the final stretch. The win gives Cascade its first boys region championship and sends the Champions into Saturday’s substate match against Hickman County. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Cascade.