As the start of the high school soccer season approached last year, there was some concern as to whether or not the Todd County Central Lady Rebels would even have a season. The Lady Rebels were low on numbers and found themselves conducting a late summer search for a new head coach.
Coach Torri Bankston arrived just in a nick of time and began to put together a team for the start of the season. While the Lady Rebels finished at 3-11-3, their defense kept them in most of their games, and had the ball found the net just a few more times, things could have been vastly different for Todd County Central in 2021.
As it was, the Lady Rebels were able to snag a win in the district semifinals and advance on to the 4th Region tournament.
The Lady Rebels only gave up more than two goals in 2021 four times. With that considered, six of their losses or ties could have just as easily been wins had there just been a bit more offensive firepower.
Finding more offensive firepower likely will be key for the Lady Rebels during the 2022 season, as they will have to replace some big pieces of their defense from last season. Gone are defensive stalwarts Itzel Salazar and goalie Sam Case, who gave Todd Central an impressive presence in protecting the goal. Case finished the year with 119 saves, so replacing her in goal will be a big challenge in 2022.
The good news for the Lady Rebels is that numbers are up and they return several players that saw significant action in 2021.
In terms of numbers, there were several times last season that the Lady Rebels would play with just ten on the field in order to allow a player to get a couple of minutes of needed rest. According to the roster, there are 17 players set to take to the pitch for the Lady Rebels this season, which should be a big help.
Look for Madison Henderson, a senior, and Melanie Chamberlaine, a junior, to lead the way for Todd Central. Henderson led the team in goals last season, while Chamberlaine tied Salazar for second on the team.
In addition to Henderson and Chamberlaine, the Lady Rebels return four other players who saw action in at least 13 matches last season. Expect big strides on the field from Darby Delph, Hannah Oliver, Jeidy Saguilan, and Ava Scott.
In addition to their district matchups with Russellville, Logan County, and Franklin-Simpson, the schedule includes matches with UHA, Caldwell County, Ohio County, Warren East, Warren Central, and Glasgow.
Todd County Central will open the season August 9 when they host Muhlenberg County.
