It took two regulation halves and two overtime periods for St. Aloysius to beat rival Greenville-St. Joseph 1-0 at home on Monday night.

Loften Varner sprang off the ground and timed a corner kick for a header to secure the win — and the Division III, District I championship — for the Flashes.

St. Al soccer coach Scott Mathis has given Varner the green light to go up for those type of shots, and Varner knows when it’s the appropriate time to do so.

“I’ve never seen that boy jump as high as he did in his life,” Mathis said in between chuckles and amazement. “He’s done that a couple of times this year and it’s either him or Josh (Collins) that have the headers.”

Varner earlier in the game had a breakaway opportunity to score by going one-on-one with Greenville’s goalkeeper, but missed his shot.

Mathis said his team was doing a great job controlling the ball and moving it around, and he would rather watch a 1-0 game as opposed to a 12-0 shutout.

“Ninety percent of the time we were on their half of the field in the first half. The second half they came out a little bit more aggressive and they got everything called their way,” Mathis said. “It is what it is and you can’t control the refs.”

Mathis said the Flashes need to play tough games like the one against St. Joe to toughen up for the postseason, although the physicality in Monday’s game was a bit extreme.

Jack Dowe limped off the field with an ankle injury after an Irish player slid into his foot while going for the ball.

“We don’t know if it’s a bone or not, but he’s walking on it and putting weight on it so that’s a good sign,” Mathis said. “I’m just going to sit him out until Monday and just hope for the best.”

The rivalry between the Flashes and the Irish always presents intense, on-the-field action. With a win against its Catholic school rival, St. Al was given a boost of confidence heading into the first round of the MAIS Division III North playoffs.

All in all, the Flashes are undefeated in district play and have secured home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Their first round game will be next Monday against an opponent that’s yet to be determined.

“If Starkville Academy beats Greenville, whoever wins that game will face us again if we win,” Mathis said. “It’s win or go home, it’s do or die and these boys know it. I try to keep their mind off of the game and just keep them focused on their play.”

Mathis said St. Al has an unstoppable defense if players do what they’re supposed to do.

“If they calm down, they’ll never miss a ball and we have enough speed,” Mathis said. “I’m OK with pressing with nine or 10 guys and leaving one guy back.”