Franklin-Simpson has won the last three district titles but were nearly dethroned in 2022
By Perry Swack
13th District Boys Soccer Preview
Franklin-Simpson Wildcats
2022 Record: 16-7-1
Won 13th District
4th Region Semifinalist
Unmatched in the 4th Region, Franklin-Simpson has won 17 district championships since 2001. Since the 13th District was realigned in 2012, the Wildcats have won 8 out of 10 titles. Since 2020, coach Justin Dyer’s club has won 20 of 21 district games and the district crown in each of those three seasons. Franklin will be the favorite to win an 18th district title in 23 seasons as they return two of the top goal scorers in the 4th Region in Oscar Lopez (25 goals, 15 assists) and Griff Banton (23 goals, 11 assists).
Watch Out For
Senior Peyton Martin. The forward scored 10 goals and assisted on five more in the Wildcat attack.
Circle the Date
August 15 – Franklin hosts Todd County Central in an early-season showdown that will pit the district’s top teams against one another. All three matches went to at least overtime in 2022.
Todd County Central Rebels
2022 Record: 17-4-1
13th District Runner-Up
4th Region Semifinalist
The Rebels not only reached the 4th Region Tournament for the first time since 2013, but they also reached the semifinals where they were eliminated by Greenwood. Todd County Central gave Franklin-Simpson all it could handle in the 13th District, defeating the Wildcats in penalty kicks, losing in overtime, and then falling in double overtime in the district championship. Might it be a new day in the 13th? Are Coach Mike Smith’s club here to stay? Senior Zack Robinson returns in defense after scoring 17 goals and tallying six assists in 2022. Five players who scored at least six goals a season ago will return in 2023.
Watch Out For
Junior midfielder Chris Salazar returns after scoring ten goals and assisting on 11 more in 2022.
Circle the Date
September 7 — Todd County Central will host Franklin-Simpson with the district’s #1 seed likely on the line. The Rebels defeated their district rivals at home a season ago.
Russellville Panthers
2022 Record: 8-12-1
After qualifying for three, consecutive 4th Region Tournaments from 2019 to 2021, the Panthers took a step back in 2022 and failed to reach the event. Then-senior Dalton Gilbert had an outstanding campaign in the goal-scoring column, tallying 49 goals for RHS. With his departure, coach Jeramy Rust will be looking for new players who can step up in his absence. Senior Akshar Patel (3 goals, 10 assists) and junior Samuel Cruz (3 goals, 7 assists) return and will look to lead the Panthers in 2023.
Watch Out For
Senior Talon Stratton recorded a whopping 181 saves from his goalkeeper position in 2022 and led the team with two shutouts. His play will be crucial in defense.
Circle the Date
September 12 – The Panthers host Todd County Central and will be looking to upend their upstart, district rivals after the Rebels eliminated RHS in the 2022 district tournament.
Logan County Cougars
2022 Record: 4-17
The Trevor Gray tenure begins at Logan County as the Cougars will play for their fourth coach in as many seasons. It is expected that leading scorer and assist man Daniels Dawson will return after scoring 14 goals and dishing six assists in 2022. From 2014 to 2019, Logan appeared in six-consecutive 4th Region Tournaments and won two 13th District titles. Gray will look to return the club to this status.
Watch Out For
Senior goalkeeper Felix Fernandez. Fernandez made 160 saves in 2022 and will look to have a strong season in 2023 as his career comes to a close.
Circle the Date
August 15 – Logan County hosts crosstown rival Russellville to kick off the Cougars’ district slate. The ‘22 matchup at LCHS ended in a dramatic penalty shootout won by the Panthers.
