Jude Mitchell scored four times, including the go-ahead goal in the 59th minute, as Hopkins County Central outlasted Caldwell County 6-5 in 7th District action Tuesday night in Princeton.
The Storm, which also got two goals from Riley Dunlap, is now 7-4 overall and 1-1 in district play.
The match was a preview of the district semifinal, which will be played next month in Princeton. Caldwell and Hopkins Central will meet again, with the winner advancing to face top-seeded Madisonville-North Hopkins in the championship game.
Caldwell (3-7, 0-2) led 3-1 in the first half before goals by Mitchell and Dunlap — just 15 seconds apart in the 35th minute — knotted the score at the break.
Dunlap’s second goal just 2 minutes into the second half pushed the Storm in front 4-3.
But Colin Turmero countered for Caldwell. His third tally of the night tied things at 4-4 in the 47th minute.
Mitchell answered for Hopkins Central with goals in the 59th and 67th minutes to put the Storm up 6-4.
Caldwell made things interesting late when Turmero tallied his fourth goal in the 76th minute. But the Tigers never got a great look at a potential tying goal in the closing minutes.
Getting assists for Hopkins Central were Duane Meade, Dominic Vignone, Kole Knott, Jak Mitchell and Jude Mitchell.
William Clevenger had eight saves in the Storm net.
For Caldwell, Anderson Garcia had a first-half goal.
Kale Turmero had two assists while Colin Turmero had one helper.
Grayson Harris recorded 13 saves for the Tigers.
Hopkins Central outshot Caldwell 26-17 in the contest.
The Storm has won four of its last five outings. They will next visit Muhlenberg County on Thursday.
Caldwell County plays at home again on Thursday when it hosts Marshall County.
