While programs like Hopkinsville and Henderson are used to turning over large, talented senior classes, smaller programs can be hit hard by a mass exodus. No regional team lost more from last season than the Trigg County Wildcats. Trigg finished 2016 with a 14-8-0 record and an 8th straight 5th District title. The Wildcats posted an 11-5 regional record and went 3-0 within the district, scoring 101 goals and allowing only 50. However, of those 101 goals, 81 were scored by departing seniors Troy Alexander, Zeb DeHart and Kyle Bleidt. Bleidt led the team in scoring with 32 goals and 12 assists, followed by DeHart with 27 goals and 15 assists. Alexander chipped in 22 goals and 11 assists. All three were named 1st Team All Region, making the Wildcats the only team with three 1st team selections.
Both Bleidt and Alexander will be playing college soccer in Owensboro, at NAIA Brescia University and NCAA Division 2 Kentucky Wesleyan College, respectively. Goalkeeper Hayden Daniel had 3 shutouts and will need to be replaced as well, along with 2nd Region All Tournament Team selection, midfielder Caleb Lynch. The Wildcats ended their season with a 5-0 regional semifinal loss to eventual champions Hopkinsville.
Coach Josh Nichols enters his 15th season returning only 3 starters, although the defensive unit should be a strength. All 2nd Region Tournament Team midfielder, junior Daniel Martin, returns along with junior defender Derek Frazier and senior defender Carter Boyd. Trigg begins its 2017 campaign August 14th on post at Fryer Stadium against Ft. Campbell, after winning a close 3-2 match with the Falcons in Cadiz in 2016. The Wildcats will travel to Muhlenberg County High School to participate in the 2017 State Farm Classic, September 8-9.