Over the last two seasons since the Prep Premier League was created, the soccer teams have developed a fierce rivalry with Woodstock Academy. Despite being a new rivalry, the games always seem to have the feeling of war where no team will give in easily. Both programs are very competitive and, in some ways, are used to having the upper hand in most games they play. Because of this, the games are defined by the thread of a needle, as the margin for error is very slim, with high-quality players on each team.
One of the main reasons for this rivalry is the competitive tension between the two Head Coaches. Coach Jon Moodey (Northwood) and Coach Owen Finberg (Woodstock) have had a rivalry for quite some time. In 2007, Jon Moodey was the head coach at Berkshire School, and Owen Finberg was the head coach at South Kent. Ever since then, whenever the two clash, the games have always been intense and considered big games. They are both seen as some of the best coaches in boys’ prep soccer history, especially in New England, because of their domination in class A and B Soccer.
Unfortunately, the balance of the results for Northwood against Woodstock leans in favor of Woodstock, with the record being 0-2-1. The Huskies have yet to come on top. One of the two losses was last year in the Prep Premier League playoff finals, which Northwood hopes to get their vengeance on this year. The two teams met a few weeks ago during Northwood family weekend, where a highly entertaining and contested game ended in a 2-2 draw. LohKoah Paye ’25 said, “Every time we play them, it’s a great game to be a part of because the level is so high. As a team, we feel good about our chances of winning the trophy again this year and look forward to a potential rematch in the playoffs against them.”