Any conversation about boys soccer in the 2nd Region must begin with the Hopkinsville High School Tigers. Hopkinsville comes off a 2016 season in which they fielded a team with a stunning combination of skill and athleticism, bolstered by depth rarely seen in this part of the state. The Tigers ran through the region in route to a second straight 8th District championship, and a second 2nd Region title in the last three seasons. They posted a perfect 13-0 record within the region, and finished at 21-5-1 overall, scoring 128 goals and only allowing 31. Hopkinsville’s season came to a somewhat controversial end in the first round of the KHSAA State Tournament at the hands of eventual champion, Daviess County High School. The Tigers lost 2-1 that night in Owensboro, but their performance against the heavily favored Panthers opened eyes around the state.
Coach Tyler Stallons enters his seventh season with the Tigers, looking to add to the trophy haul with what appears to be another very strong side. Seven seniors have moved on, including All 8th District, 1st Team All 2nd Region and 2nd Team All State selection, Brennan Horn, and All 8th District and 2nd Team All 2nd Region defender, Reid Heltsley. Fellow All 8th District Team selections, midfielder Joel Dempsey and defender Wade Shaw, also graduate. However, significant firepower remains in All 8th District, 1st Team All Region, 2nd Team All State and KNE Boys Soccer Athlete of the Year, Ethan Noel.
In addition to Noel’s 25 goals and 28 assists, the Tigers also welcome back the team’s second leading scorer (20 goals, 12 assists), All 8th District, 2nd Team All Region and Honorable Mention All State selection, Tyler Aldridge. Caleb Joiner, last season’s 4th leading scorer, also returns after tallying 15 goals and 3 assists in 2016. Joining those three seniors is one of the more precocious talents in the region, junior Ryan Roussel. Roussel recorded 19 goals and 11 assists as a sophomore, including an impressive strike against Daviess County in the state tournament loss.
The Tigers open the 2017 season at the Stadium of Champions against district rival Ft. Campbell. Hopkinsville beat the Falcons twice last season, 3-1 at Fryer Stadium and 6-0 in the district championship game. They will also be participating in the Purples Classic at Bowling Green High School, which will feature a rematch with defending state champion Daviess County. Once again, Hopkinsville will be hosting the annual Boots and Butts Soccer Classic, September 9-10. Also at the Stadium of Champions, the Tigers will compete in Christian County High School’s Colonel Showcase on September 23rd.