44TH DISTRICT BOYS SOCCER: Southern reclaims championship

Nathan Hutchinson, Richmond Register, Ky.
·2 min read

Oct. 6—Nathan Hutchinson

Avery Davidson found the ball on his foot in the closing moments of overtime on Wednesday during the title game of the 44th District Tournament in Richmond.

He didn't hesitate.

"It came right to me and I put it top right," Davidson said. "It was picture perfect."

A perfect ending, indeed, for the Eagles.

Madison Southern (16-3) claimed its fourth district title in the past five years with a thrilling, 2-1, overtime victory over Madison Central (9-10-1) in Richmond.

Davidson scored both goals for the Eagles, while Sam Hughes had a late score for the Indians, which sent the game into overtime.

Both teams advance to next week's 11th Region Tournament.

Times and match-ups are yet to be determined.

Davidson scored less than nine minutes into the game and Southern seemed to have seized the momentum.

The Indians, though, didn't fade — even after a physical, emotional win over Model Laboratory the day before.

Central finally broke through when Hughes got loose in front with 3:41 left in regulation.

"We except a hard-fought battle when we play Central," Southern coach Andrew Lunsford said. "This was just another one. We created a late of chances and luckily we got one late."

Southern won the only regular-season match-up between the long-time rivals, 2-1, on Aug. 30 in Berea.

It's the eighth-straight season the Eagles and Indians have met in the 44th District title game — with each team winning four times.

"These games are not good for my heart," Lunsford said with a laugh.

The Indians ended Southern's three-season reign as district champs last season.

The Eagles were glad to reclaim the title on Wednesday.

"I'm only a junior," Davidson said. "But, I know how much (the championship) means to our seniors. They've played soccer their whole lives and it means so much to them."