Hopkinsville looks to exercise some past demons when they play Calloway County Tuesday night in a boys’ soccer semi-state game in Murray.
The Tigers have won eight region titles since 2000 but have never won a semi-state game. However, Calloway County has been in the same position three times in the last 20 years and haven’t advanced into the quarterfinals either
Since a 6-0 loss to Warren Central that ended a stretch of 22 goals allowed in six games, Hopkinsville hasn’t lost and have given up just six goals in their last eight games.
Coach Tyler Stallons’ defensive tweak saw the Tigers allow just one goal in the region tournament, including shutout wins over Madisonville and Henderson County for the title.
While Hopkinsville used a strong defense on their way to their fourth region title in four years, they were able to jump ahead in all five postseason games and never trailed.
They will face a Calloway County team that lost to Marshall County three times during the regular season but edged the Marshals 3-2 for the region title. The Lakers are led by Jacob Smith, who tallied a hat trick against Marshall County and passed 50 goals for the season to set a school record.
The Tigers (17-6-2) and Lakers (17-5) did not meet during the regular season. Calloway County won last year’s meeting 5-4 in Murray. Tuesday’s game will be at 7pm in Murray.
