Both Lyon County and Trigg County will field young teams on the soccer field in 2024 as the programs look to regain the regional prominence they once held.
Because the 5th District consists of just Trigg and Lyon, they both automatically qualify for the region tournament, However, it doesn’t mean their regular season contests don’t mean anything.
These border rivals played three games decided by a single goal last year and nine of the last 12 meetings have been decided by two goals or less.
Trigg Couty won last year’s district title and has claimed five of the last six championships.
TRIGG COUNTY (2-10-2)
Stop Kyle Bleidt if you’ve heard this before but Trigg County will field a young team in 2024.
“I sound like a broken record but we have 13 freshmen. The good thing is, most of them can play,” he said. “They are my first group from the sixth grade from when I began coaching and I feel like this would be the class that changes the program and how it’s viewed.”
As the group found out at last month’s Bluegrass State Soccer Games in Lexington, the physicality at the varsity level is much different than in middle school.
“This group has gone from getting mercy ruled almost every game in the sixth grade to losing in last year’s region tournament to a strong team,” Bleidt said. “We are seeing their confidence kind of starting to bloom a bit. It was a rough two years, and it was awesome to see them stick around.”
Up front, junior James Garnett will be shifted up.
“He is speedy and he’s finally starting to get there technically. His first touch and his passing has gotten better,” Bleidt said.
Senior Alex Hurt also returns up front for the Wildcats after scoring three goals and handing out a team-high seven assists.
“He is going to be one of our bigger offensive players. He’ll be on our set pieces and our penalty kicks. You’ve also got Kyle Choate up there and the young guys,” said Bleidt, adding he started four or five freshmen for the three games at the Bluegrass Games.
“Isaiah Ruzicka, Corben Woodall, Elliott Sutton, Carson Greshman. , I could go on and on, but it’s the first time I’ve been here when I can look back at that bench and rotate guys in, who I feel comfortable with doing so,” Bleidt said.
Sophomore Nate Kelly will be in the midfield for the Wildcats along with Hurt.
Seniors Lance Breckel and Slaton Carter return on the back line with Cam McCormick in goal.
“Cam has come so far. He’s a great keeper. He’s a kid that if he wants to play in college, he’s going to play in college,” Bleidt said.
While the Wildcats are young in some places, they have some experience coming back in key spots.
“As soon as they start growing, they’re going to be huge parts of our program and our success. And we’re looking forward to that,” Bleidt said.
Trigg County opens its season at home on Thursday against Hopkins County Central.
LYON COUNTY (3-16-1)
Two of Lyon County’s three wins in 2023 came against district rival Trigg County. However, the Wildcats got their revenge in the district championship with a 4-3 win.
Like Trigg County, the Lyons will trot a young squad onto the field. However, they also lost their leading scorer and goalie to graduation.
“We’ve got a lot of growing to do,” coach Joe Guess said.
Grady Walker is the only player returning from last year’s Lyon County squad who scored a goal.
He’ll be joined up front by sophomores Kveon Cain and Will Dunning with Walker also working the midfield.
While Lyon County looks for an offensive rebirth, their defense has some key people back.
“We are solid back there with Ethan Gossard, Jordan Jackson, and Bryson Beavers holding things down,” Guess said.
Cayden Webber – the team’s lone senior – will get the start in goal.
With several new faces cracking the starting lineup, Guess has stressed communication with his young team in the preseason.
“That and passing has to get better because we will be at a size disadvantage this year,” he said.
The Lyons aren’t a particularly deep team, making conditioning a key early in the season.
Lyon County opens its season Thursday at Todd County Central. After a Saturday game at Apollo, they will host University Heights Academy on Monday.
