Independent Foundation Christian Academy kicks off its inaugural season
By Perry Swack
16th District Boys Soccer Preview
Russell County Lakers
2022 Record: 6-14
Won 16th District
Coach: Steve Betts, Fourth Season
The two-time defending district champions will return their top eleven scorers from a season ago. Coach Steve Betts, who has overseen the revitalization of the Laker soccer program (it was defunct from 2008-2019), will turn to the likes of Geison Maradiaga (8 goals in ‘22) and Xavier Betts-Jimenez (3 goals, 5 assists) to win a third-straight 16th District crown. After losing in the 4th Region Tournament by scorelines of 8-0 and 10-0 in 2020 and 2021, RCHS nearly advanced to the semifinals in 2022 before falling 2-0 to Todd County Central.
Watch Out For
Senior Dawson Bradshaw. The utility player can do it all after scoring five goals and two assists, while also logging 206 saves in goal. You may see Bradshaw playing anywhere on the pitch for the Lakers in 2023.
Circle the Date
August 8 – Russell County hosts Barren County in the season opener for both teams. The Trojans clipped the Lakers in 2022 (2-1) and RCHS will look to show they can play with the class of the 4th Region.
Monroe County Falcons
2022 Record: 0-15
16th District Runner-Up
Coach: Austin Collins, Second Season
Monroe County enters the season looking to get back to its winning ways. As recently as 2020, the Falcons were crowned 16th District champions. In coach Austin Collins’ second season, he will rely upon the services of talented returners Reuben Dodson and Victor Pallido. Both return as the team’s leading scorers from 2022.
Watch Out For
Goalkeepers Victor Roman and Jerome Setliff — the two split time as Jarius Glover’s backup in ‘22. Roman recorded 19 saves in his time between the posts.
Circle the Date
August 24 – The Falcons travel to Allen County-Scottsville for a matchup with the last team it defeated (2021). The Patriots won 6-1 last season, so Monroe will be looking to avenge the defeat.
Independent Boys Soccer Preview
Foundation Christian Academy Falcons
Coach: Neal Mathis, First Season
Foundation Christian Academy has begun to field teams across various sports in KHSAA such as volleyball and boys’ basketball. 2023 will be the first season the school has fielded a boys’ soccer team. Although they are not playing in a district, the Bowling Green-based school will play area teams this fall. At the time of publication, the Falcons had eleven games scheduled including a home and home with Monroe County and home date against Russellville. The club is also set to play in the 4th Region All “A” Classic in September.
Head coach Neal Mathis brings 4th Region experience having coached Monroe County from 2018 to 2021. Fifteen players were listed on the program’s roster on KHSAA’s website for its inaugural season.
Circle the Date
August 12 – It seems only fitting that FCA opens its season with its coach’s former team. The Falcons will travel to Tompkinsville to take on the Falcons of Monroe County in what should be an appetizing opener for both programs. Monroe will be hungry for a victory and FCA will be looking to begin its inaugural season in style.
