14th District Teams have reached the boys’ soccer state semifinals in 5 of the last 8 seasons. Will the success continue?
By Perry Swack
4th Region Boys’ Soccer Preview
South Warren won its third region championship last fall en route to its first state finals appearance where it gave St. Xavier all it could handle before falling 1-0 on an early second-half header from a set piece. The Spartans showed the state that they could play with the best of the Bluegrass, something the 4th Region has known for quite some time. South won the region title in 2016 and 2018 before coming out victorious last season. The program is grateful for its run in 2020 but is looking for a repeat in 2021. “Last season was great, and we are really proud of how far we went,” said coach Tom Alexander. “But we are excited to get started again and still feel like we have a lot to prove.”
Alexander understands the key to having similar success this season will come as his team is able to fill in the big shoes left by ten graduated seniors. “I’ve coached most of them since they were 11 or 12,” explained the twelfth-year coach. “Those relationships and understanding that we had will be the hardest to replace. It’s a huge legacy that they have left, and we are excited to build on it as well.” Two players that the coaching staff will be counting on to lead the way are Kiram Mujic and David Brown. “(Mujic) knows what is expected from him. I think he will be really difficult for defenders to stop this upcoming season.” The senior forward tallied 13 goals and six assists in 2020. As for Brown, “he will be key in organizing and leading our defense,” said Alexander. “David’s our captain and leader of our team. I thought that he was fantastic last season, especially in 1v1 situations and winning balls to start our attacks.”
The Spartans will likely line up in some sort of a variation of a 4-3-3, although adjustments are often made throughout the season as opponents change, injuries occur, and strengths are realized. Midfielder Leo Kogetsu and defender Logan Palmquist are expected to have strong seasons as well. “They were both on varsity as freshmen last season, but were playing behind some seniors,” Alexander noted. “Leo is a very dynamic and dangerous player. He can beat players off the dribble and has great vision with his passes. Logan is very good technically and tactically. His defensive positioning, ability to win balls, (and) starting out attacks will be key for us.”
Alongside Kiram Mujic for best player in the 4th Region is Warren Central’s Nae Rah. The senior forward was noted among coaches, fans, and pundits as a top player. He has no larger fan than in his coach, Aaron Ray. After not starting in 2020, Reh is expected to do big things for the White and Navy. “He’s head and shoulders above everyone else in the area and will have a strong season,” added Ray.
The Dragons will only return four starters from their side that won the district championship last season. One player expected to make a jump is Daniel Nkurunziza. The junior was called up to the varsity team for the postseason and has “improved tremendously in the offseason” per Ray. With South losing ten seniors and Central having to replace ten as well, the ability for younger players to make an impact may be the difference in advancing when the postseason rolls around. “If they work their butts off, maintain discipline and allow themselves to be coached, then I expect us to be back in a region championship game.” Confidence can go a long way in a game like soccer that is often won and lost “between the ears”.
Over the course of the last five years, the 4th Region has been owned by either Warren Central or South Warren. Before that, both Greenwood and Bowling Green had won four-straight region titles apiece (GHS 2008-11, BG 2012-15). One of those teams is hoping to re-enter that conversation very soon. With the return of the GOAT (as affectionately termed by WC coach Aaron Ray), the Purples are looking to get back into the conversation with the Spartans and the Dragons. For those unaware of who we are referencing here, its Craig Widener. The winningest coach in Kentucky high school soccer history (among coaches with at least 100 wins), Widener begins his second stint with the Purples after taking a five-year hiatus. His first stint was unparalleled. 206 wins. Nine district titles. Seven region titles. Six trips to the state final four. Two state championships (2006 and 2014). With the return of Widener, BG expects to contend soon.
However, there may be a small learning curve. “I came in the first time after being an assistant for a few years, so I knew the players pretty well,” explained Widener. “This time, I’m truly trying to feel everything out as we go. Where players play, what motivates them, even our practice situation is different, so it feels pretty new.” Although Widener is learning on the job, he’s starting to identify some players that he expects to play important minutes this fall. “Colin Reed, Khai Piang, Jay Macy, Sergio Rodriguez, and Aison Manivong have had really good preseasons. That said, I have been impressed by the work rate of the entire team.”
As he re-enters the coaching ranks, Widener is looking most forward to connecting with his squad. “I have missed that special bond you create when everyone is working toward the same goals, putting in the time to try and create something positive. When you coach, and you do it right, you get to become such a big part of your player’s life.”
Greenwood returns standout goalkeeper Jax Buchanon for coach Luis Llontop’s seventh season, while Warren East welcomes first-year coach Luis Cano. Leading scorer William Bilombele and leading assist man Jefferson Rivera will be at Cano’s service for the upcoming campaign.
The 15th District will likely come down to a battle between Glasgow and Barren County. Glasgow returns senior Jackson Bower after he scored 22 goals and tallied 21 assists in 2020. Grant Gatlin also returns after scoring 14 goals and six assists, as does goalkeeper Seth Medford. Coach Ken Mahung’s team knocked off crosstown rival Barren County, 3-2, in double overtime of the district championship game last season. The Trojans will rely heavily on Aden Nyekan, who scored 24 goals and assisted on nine more a season ago.
In the 13th District, Russellville will be looking to knock off defending champion, Franklin-Simpson. The Panthers return all eleven starters from a team that finished as 13th District runner-up in 2020. Avery Flener and Dustin Brown return to the lineup after combining for 31 goals and 20 assists a season ago. Coach Jeramy Rust expects a big season from both Milo Brooks and Dalton Gilbert. He also noted a Clarksville (TN) transfer (Jace Downey) has had a strong offseason. RHS knocked off Logan County for the first time ever last season and will be looking to stay atop the town for another year. “I see the district title coming down to one of our two programs (Franklin-Simpson)”, explained Rust. “We have been flip-flopping our games the last two seasons, so hopefully we can come out on top this year.” The Panthers are looking for a third-straight trip to the 4th Region Tournament.
In the 16th District, it will come down to Monroe County and Russell County (the only two teams in the district as of 2021). Last season, the Lakers bested the Falcons in both regular season meetings, only to be denied the inaugural title at the hands of Monroe in the district championship. Monroe County returns eight starters, including Korey Kamp. The senior defender is the team’s captain and a two-time all-district performer. Coach Neal Mathis expects a big season from Caleb Burnett, who he described as “the workhorse of the midfield” and junior goalkeeper Jarius Glover. “This is the most experienced team we’ve ever had at Monroe County,” added Mathis. “I honestly believe we can approach .500, win our district for the second year in a row, and maybe even surprise someone at region if the draw is favorable.”
