LONDON — The hard work, and dedication throughout the summer and fall has paid off for David Broyles’ North Laurel Boys’ Soccer Team.
The Jaguars dethroned three-time defending champion Corbin with a 5-1 decision on Monday to capture the 13th Region Boys’ Soccer Championship.
North Laurel broke open a tight game, scoring four goals in the second half, improving to 14-5-3.
Many had written the Jaguars off after their 1-0 loss to Corbin back on September 14.
Broyles’ squad stayed the course, posting a 5-1-1 mark, which included North Laurel’s win over the Redhounds in the 49th District Boys’ Tournament finals before sealing the deal once again on Monday, while capturing the program’s first-ever region title.
“First of all, I really want to give the boys the credit they deserve,” Broyles said. “We set this as one of our goals at the beginning of the season and they went out focused and accomplished it. We knew Corbin would be focused since we had gotten them in district. They gave us the battle we expected for the first part of the game, but then we settled in and controlled the game. We did let them pressure us for about the last 10 minutes of the first half, but we imposed our will in the second half. This group of young men, especially our seniors were not going to be denied.
“This team has worked their tails off all year, but the job isn’t done yet,” he added. “Now we get ready for state, which we will travel to the 14th Region for the first round. I believe it will be next Monday or Tuesday.”
The Jaguars were led the tournament’s Offensive MVP, and All-Region Tournament member Tanner Broyles, who scored two goals, and finished with two assists, and All-Region Tournament member Jaxon Jacobs, who scored two goals.
The game was scoreless until the 11th minute as Broyles found the back of the net after a nice pass from Grant Abner to give North Laurel a 1-0 lead.
Broyles’ assist to Jacob’s, who scored, increased the Jaguars’ lead to 2-0 during the 49th minute.
Another goal by Jacobs (assist from Broyles) pushed North Laurel’s lead to 3-0 during the 54th minute.
Reilly Stuber assisted Broyles’ second goal of the game to give the Jaguars a commanding, 4-0 advantage with 20 minutes remaining.
All-Region Tournament member John Ball scored Corbin’s lone goal during the 65th minute while North Laurel’s Eli Davis put the finishing touches on the win with a goal during the 71st minute.
The Redhounds finished the season with a 8-8-1 mark.
13th Region Boys’ All-Tournament Team
Harlan County
Ray Splawn
Jacob Brown
Barbourville
Tori Wilson
Johnathon Gambrel
Corbin
John Ball
Rizzo Cima
North Laurel
Kristopher Hagan
Jaxon Jacobs
Grant Abner
Offensive MVP
North Laurel Tanner Broyles
Defensive MVP
Corbin Logan Wise
