When Patrick Thomas took the head coaching job (after sharing the Co-Coaching in 2021 with longtime head coach Aaron Boggs), he had to think that things would get easier as time went on. The Bardstown boys soccer team had been a consistent winner over the years, but like much of the 19th District, had been overshone by the powers of the 5th Region during the past 15-years. With the exception of the Bethlehem Eagles, who briefly interrupted the Region run by Elizabethtown, Central Hardin, John Hardin and North Hardin, only a few teams outside the 5th have even mad much noise. However, this was a different season for everybody. With the Panthers, Trojans and the Bulldogs a little down, the transition through graduation suddenly opened the door for Bardstown, Thomas Nelson and Bethlehem to make their move and move they did.
No more so than the Tigers as Hagan had a good and experienced team which built a 14-5 record during the regular season and District Tournament and got a big boost with a 6-0 win over Nelson County in the semi-finals and then a dramatic shootout win over the Eagles in the Championship. Of course, the question being would this simply be another quick exit for the Tigers in the Region Tournament much like the last three times Bardstown had been there in 2018-2019-2020. With the Region Tournament slated to be played at Bardstown, the Tigers would have the homefield and plenty of momentum on their side. Now, all they would have to do is get the job done. First order of business would be to take on the surprise team in Marion County, who had actually upset the North Hardin Trojans in a shootout in the first round. The Tigers made sure the Knights didn’t extend their season any further when Carson Thomas got two goals and Naru Sugie and Dawson Goff collected one each to finalize a 4-0 win. The defense in general and Goalkeeper Cambron Filiatreau in particular kept the opposing offense in check producing Bardstown’s eighth shutout.
Step No.1 was accomplished and the Tigers and now the team would have one full day to hear how this team had last been this far way back in 2000. Meanwhile, on the other side of the Region bracket, the Central Hardin Bruins were making plenty of noise.
Despite losing a big senior class the previous season (which was loaded with starters and the team’s top three scorers), the Bruins under Jay Varela had not only rebuilt on the run, but had also scratched and clawed their way to the Region Tournament after a dramatic overtime win over 5-time Region Champ Elizabethtown in the District and would put away slip by Bethlehem (1-0) and then power over LaRue County (9-0) to reach the Region final.
On a night in which everything was on the line for both teams’, the match would take on a very surreal and dramatic context. With an emotional crowd supporting both teams, the game looked like a boxing match as each opponent tried to feel each other out. It didn’t take long for someone to make their mark as Dawson Goff took a corner kick off his head for the first goal of the game with 29:36 left in the first half.
The Bruins finally evened the score up on a shot by Mason Yates with 13:33 remaining in the first half. The jubilant Bruins had survived the early strike by the Tigers and had gotten one of their own. It would not be the last as Nolan Thomas, who was having a great junior season and a even better regular season with his game winner in OT against Elizabethtown made his presence known again as he saw an opening and powered one through as Central Hardin took the lead for the first time in the Championship game, 2-1 with 3:56 left in the First half. As the first half came to an end, there was an encounter between the coaches and officials as temperatures and emotions began to rise. After cooler heads took over, the second half continued as the Bruins held on to their one goal lead as time began to run out in the game and the Tigers season. It would take someone to step up to change things and the destiny of both teams. With 21:33 remaining in Bardstown’s season, Cambron Filiatreau, who had played a great game was called upon to send a kick from the left sideline close to midfield. The Goalkeeper sent a booming shot that looked like it was headed for the Bruins goal as their Goalkeeper looked to position himself to make the catch when at the last second Carson Thomas stepped in and slightly redirected it past Ayden Allen to tie things at 2-2. The Tigers celebrated as the game suddenly took on the look of a possible overtime as both teams continued to give ground grudgingly. Then, just like that, the game changed again.
With 5:31 remaining in regulation, Thomas took off downfield on the left side and when he was helmed in shot a kick towards the middle of the field in front of the net. Dawson Goff, who already had one goal from a header was once again in the right place at the right time and redirected it into the net to give Bardstown their biggest lead of the game.
As the clock ticked down, the Bruins gave it their best, but unfortunately were unable to answer and the Tigers had their biggest win in over 23-years as they were 5th Region Champions. As the Purple clad Tigers celebrated, the Bruins could take solace in their many accomplishments. They will be back and should make another run next season.
Meanwhile, the season continues for Bardstown as they will be a KHSAA State Tournament participant for the first time and the achievements have not been lost on a team which always felt like it had to fight their way through so much all season. Coach Hagan had not been lost on how long it took to get back despite just being the head guy for a short time. You can bet he won’t let his players forget that when this team last made a late season run (2000 the Tigers beat Butler in the 1st round of the State Tourney before losing to St. X 2-1 in the Elite Eight) none of these players were even born yet. Not to mention they will be facing another team in the Sweet Sixteen which is making their first appearance (DeSales) since 2003 (The Colts beat Bethlehem in the S-16 2-1 and lost to St. X 2-1 in the Elite Eight).
Considering the wait for both teams to get to this point, I’m sure neither team won’t mind playing just a little bit longer for a chance to extend their season possibly into next week. For the Tigers, the fans and their coach, 23-years was most definitely long enough.
