(DRAFFENVILLE, Ky.)-The McCracken County Mustangs are regional champions after defeating the Marshall County Marshals 3-1 in the KHSAA First Region Boys Soccer Championship on Thursday night.
Senior Jake Hazel led the Mustangs’ offensive charge with a goal and two assists, orchestrating an attack that saw three different players find the back of the net. Junior Eli Riley and senior Mason Atnip each added a goal and an assist in the championship victory.
The Mustangs jumped out to an early advantage as the Marshals had an unlucky touch that resulted in an own goal just a minute into the contest. But, the Marshals answered right back with Davis Hunt scoring Marshall County’s lone goal to level the score at 1-1. After the Mustangs scored their second goal, they didn’t look back, with senior goalkeeper Lane Grace making four crucial saves to preserve the victory. Grace allowed just one goal while anchoring a stout defensive effort.
Junior goalkeeper Carson Lovett made three saves in the loss but couldn’t contain McCracken County’s multi-pronged attack.
The Marshals season ends at 13-11-1, while the Mustangs move on to play Bowling Green next week in the first round of the KHSAA State Tournament.
