Time was running out for the Central Hardin Bruins as the clock was ticking down in the second Overtime period of the 2024 5th Region Soccer Final between the Bruins and Elizabethtown Panthers. It was a furiously fought match as the Panthers, who had been held scoreless in their previous two meetings (regular season 1-0 win and then the 17th District final 3-0) would refuse to give in to the powerful powder blue foes. With 1:56 remaining in OT period number two, the ball moved down close to the Elizabethtown goal.
It looked like the game was headed to a shootout with time dwindling, but suddenly Samuel Bryan led the ball down the rightfield side and passed across field to Conner Hobbs near the left side of the goal. Hobbs saw an opening. “I was making my run and I was a little set back because I was tired. I saw the ball and I just slaughtered it.” The ball slide past Panther Goalkeeper William Yates for the game winner.
“ It’s the best feeling in the world. Beating your rivals, Region Finals and in OT. Best feeling in the world.” For Hobbs, a junior, who scored his eleventh goal of the season, it was the greatest feeling in the world. The Bruins, who had complied the best record in the Region after returning plenty of talent were by many the favorites coming into the 5th Region Tourney. But, they still had to play the games.
After outscoring their opposition in the District Tourney 6-0 and then breezing past Bethlehem in the second round of the Region, the Final seemed like just more exercise for the powerful Bruins. However, Elizabethtown, who survived a scare from Marion County had other plans. Under new head coach Alex Higdon, Elizabethtown had a few surprises in the Win-Or-Go-Home game. “I have to give it to E-Town. It was a tough match. They left all on the field tonight. They are a bunch of really good players.” Said Bruin head coach Austin Varela, who was a little out of breath after weathering nearly ninety minutes of play.
It’s been an interesting journey for Central Hardin, who understands very well just how tough the boys division is in the 17th District. Under coach Micheal Wiersema, the Bruins were becoming a Region power with three State Tourney appearances in 2010, 2013, 2014 and then Justin Maddock took over and took them to another Region Title in 2017 until Varela took over in 2020.
During that time, the Bruins either settled for finishing second in the Region race or not getting there at all as Elizabethtown ran the table going five straight years from 2018-2022. Last season, the Bruins got close again before Bardstown pulled the rug out from under them in a 3-2 heartbreaker. So, in a way, this Region Title means a lot to a group of guys (twelve seniors), who were probably in grade school when Central Hardin last held the trophy in the Winners Circle. The Bruins defense was extremely instrumental in keeping the zero on the scoreboard just when it appeared the Panthers had broken the scoreless tie midway through the second half. The Goal was not allowed and thanks to Ayden Allen, it stayed there. “I’m happy for our guys, Happy for our team. We worked extremely hard and above all our Goalkeeper holding up the clean sheet and our backline handled business tonight.
That’s what we love.” For Varela, who was celebrating his first Region Trophy ceremony, could even make a joke about his younger brother Cole, who played at E-Town and use to drive him crazy on game days when the two were pitted against each other. On the other side, the Panthers and coach Higdon deserved a better fate after playing so hard and putting it all out on the line.
Like Central Hardin, the Panthers will lose some talent and they will have to reload in 2025, but they desire burned bright the entire game. Interestingly enough is the fact that both coaches Varela and Higdon, both played together on the John Hardin teams during the Alex Shearer years and have actually continue the string of former players who have either gone into or are coaching somewhere. As for Central Hardin, the season continues and the State playoff game next week between either Louisville Collegiate or St. Xavier. For the Bruins, it was a seven year wait between Region Titles, but if you ask Hobbs or Varela it was well worth the wait.
