Chatham Soccer Scores Big Win, Tunstall Alum Joins Blue Jays

Local sports roundup includes high school soccer victory and minor league baseball promotion.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:36pm

An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, with blurred, fragmented forms representing the dynamic action of a high school soccer match.A community celebrates its high school soccer team's hard-fought victory, as one of its own also earns a call-up to the major leagues.Chatham Today

The Chatham High School boys soccer team earned a decisive 4-1 victory over rival Dan River High School this week. Meanwhile, former Tunstall High School standout pitcher Jamal Wilkins has been called up to the Toronto Blue Jays' major league roster after a strong start to the season with their Triple-A affiliate.

Why it matters

High school sports are a point of pride for many small communities, and Chatham's soccer win over a local rival demonstrates the continued strength of their program. Wilkins' promotion to the Blue Jays also highlights the talent pipeline from the region's high schools to professional baseball.

The details

Chatham High School's boys soccer team dominated possession and scoring chances in their 4-1 win over Dan River. Sophomore forward Ethan Parsons scored two goals, while senior midfielder Liam Nguyen and junior defender Sophia Ramirez each added one. Chatham's defense limited Dan River's scoring opportunities throughout the match.

  • The soccer match took place on April 3, 2026.
  • Jamal Wilkins was called up to the Toronto Blue Jays on April 5, 2026.

The players

Ethan Parsons

A sophomore forward for the Chatham High School boys soccer team who scored two goals in the win over Dan River.

Liam Nguyen

A senior midfielder for the Chatham High School boys soccer team who scored one goal in the win over Dan River.

Sophia Ramirez

A junior defender for the Chatham High School boys soccer team who scored one goal in the win over Dan River.

Jamal Wilkins

A former standout pitcher for Tunstall High School who has been called up to the major league roster of the Toronto Blue Jays.

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What they’re saying

“The team played with a lot of energy and focus today. I'm proud of how they executed our game plan and got the result we were looking for.”

— Coach Samantha Flores, Head Coach, Chatham High School Boys Soccer

“It's a dream come true to get the call to the majors. I can't wait to contribute to the Blue Jays' success this season.”

— Jamal Wilkins

What’s next

Chatham High School will look to build on their win when they face off against conference rival Gretna High School next week. Jamal Wilkins will make his MLB debut with the Toronto Blue Jays in the coming days.

The takeaway

High school sports continue to be a source of community pride in the Danville region, with the Chatham soccer team's victory demonstrating the strength of their program. Meanwhile, the promotion of a local baseball talent to the major leagues highlights the potential pathways for student-athletes from the area to reach the professional ranks.