Elizabethtown Survives –Despite a shortened season, the threat of a shutdown at anytime, the Panthers were able to do something that no other team has been able to accomplish in the 5th Region which is win the Region Tournament three straight times. Looking back, what Elizabethtown did may not on the surface seem like a huge achievement because other teams in different regions have already done it, but because of the diversity in the area it’s still pretty special.
The 17th District RULES –Seems like everytime you turn around, the Region Tourney has a 17th District matchup and looking back through history that has happened more often than not. For the past nine years, there is been at least one team in the final representing the 17th and in eight, it’s only been 17th district teams (2019 Taylor County broke the string). In fact going further back than that, the 17th has been well represented and has produced some classic contests and it doesn’t look like it will change anytime soon.
The Central Hardin EFFECT – Since Mike Werisma took over as boys soccer coach at Central Hardin, the Bruins have had an immediate effect in the 5th Region fortunes. In 2010, the Bruins made their first Final Four appearance in the KHSAA State Tournament and have either been a participant in the Final every year or played a part in the end result. After Werisma left, Justin Maddock took over and continued the success of the team and the Bruins have been in the Region Final five of the last six years. This season, Jaymes Varela took over for Maddock and the Bruins were once again at the finish line, so it would appear the successful bloodline isn’t quite broken yet.
Coaching Counts – It may not be a coincidence that the Panthers are on a successful four year run and a lot of it may have to do with the head coach. Corey Yates has proven over time to be not just a good strategist, but an evaluator of talent as well as Elizabethtown has graduated several classes of talent athletes and the team continues to roll right along. Much like Werisma at Central Hardin, Alex Shearer during his time at John Hardin and Jim Stone at North Hardin, coaching at the higher levels require the ability to not just control the game on the field, but also to evalute the personnel on the roster.
What Next? Maybe winning the Region crown might be an unforgettable experience for area teams, but what happens after that hasn’t been. The 5th Region Champ hasn’t been very successful once they get to the Sweet Sixteen of the KHSAA State Tournament. Along with Elizabethtown’s loss to St. Xavier last weekend, the 5th has struggled at the next level. In fact, only two teams from the 5th Region have gotten past the first round (North Hardin 2012 and 2016) and going even further back when it was the 8th Region, only three teams since 2000 have made it that far.
