I believe there may be a few that play for Rovers

Many of the seniors on this team were part of a team called The Ligers and were from Owensboro United. They had some mild success in the state cup for a few years. Now it appears that many have moved across the river to play with Indiana Fire South, which is based in Evansville and I think brought together some clubs.

The "Liger" is my favorite animal and I can draw it better than anyone I know. Shut up Kip !

 

I bet I could kick this soccer ball over those mountains. Back in 83, we'd have won state if the coach had just put me in.

The game will be streamed online;

 

Covington Catholic High School

 

If the first semi final games goes into OT/PKs the CCH Vs N Hardin broadcast will be delayed but will be covered live.

From the Elizabethtown News-Enterprise:

 

North Hardin keeper Poutharansy continue to grow at State

 

By Alex Shoemaker

 

Tyler Phoutharansy can’t help but let out a small chuckle when thinking about the nerves he used to feel before big games.

 

In his second season as North Hardin’s starting goalkeeper, the sophomore is helping lead the Trojans into uncharted territory. Thursday’s state semifinal game at Lexington Bryan Station against Covington Catholic is the furthest North Hardin has advanced in program history.

 

But at practice Tuesday at Troy Wade Field, Phoutharansy was excited for the opportunity to continue building on North Hardin’s best season, not shying away from the pressure of the moment.

 

“I didn’t expect to go this far, but this has been the best time of the season,” he said. “This has been a lot of fun. We’re just playing confident.”

 

Confidence always has been the key for Phoutharansy.

 

Thrown into the fire last season as a freshman, Phoutharansy appeared in 26 games and recorded all nine of North Hardin’s shutouts. Phoutharansy played the entirety of 18 of North Hardin’s 20 wins, allowing less than one goal per game to guide the Trojans to their first State appearance in three seasons.

 

“Coming in as a freshman, he got great experience,” North Hardin coach Jim Stone said. “He was completely nervous in district finals, region finals and (the) State game.”

 

“Once you just get thrown into a game, you don’t really know how to process,” Phoutharansy said. “I’m more comfortable this year than last year.”

 

A 17th District title? Check.

 

A 5th Region championship? Check.

 

A win at State? Not until this season.

 

North Hardin came close last year, falling to Louisville Fern Creek in the first round of the state tournament.

 

However, this season North Hardin has been a team on a mission.

 

According to Stone, Phoutharansy’s nerves reappeared Oct. 13 in the team’s second postseason game this year, a 3-2 overtime loss to Central Hardin in the district final.

 

Still able to advance to region, North Hardin, and Phoutharansy, used the district loss as motivation.

 

Since losing to the Bruins, the Trojans have won five straight. In that stretch, Phoutharansy has only allowed one goal.

 

“Since that game, he’s really settled down, matured and he’s playing well and moving confidently,” Stone said. “He’s learned not to get too excited about a game. He’s been steady.”

 

Phoutharansy’s favorite game this season was the first round of the state tournament against North Oldham, the first State game at Troy Wade Field since the 2012 season when the Trojans advanced to the quarterfinals.

 

With the largest crowd he’s played in front of as a Trojan, Phoutharansy allowed one first half goal, but watched as North Hardin scored twice in the second half to advance.

 

“I’ve never seen a game that intense, with that many fans at one of our games,” Phoutharansy said. “Playing with competitiveness, just being aggressive, I’ve played harder.”

 

Only surrendering 1.2 goals per game, North Hardin ranks 20th in the state and is the only area team to be ranked in the top 25.

Good share @colonel-fan .

From the Elizabethtown News-Enterprise:

 

Leading by example

 

By Alex Shoemaker

Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 12:27 am

 

J.P. Stevens doesn’t lead North Hardin in goals or assists. His four goals only rank sixth on the Trojans, but that’s not his focus.

 

North Hardin’s senior captain, his first season with that elevated distinction, is one of the team leaders in hustle. Whether it’s in practice or in games, big or small, Stevens wants to leave everything on the field.

 

That’s how he leads: by example.

 

“I try to bring energy,” Stevens said. “I’m fearless, and I’ll put my body on the line to win 50-50 balls. Stuff like that, I think the team sees that and knows to bring the same energy. We’re unstoppable. If everyone brings it and we all work hard defensively and the offense will follow.”

 

The Trojans have followed, and Stevens has helped carry North Hardin into the semifinals of the KHSAA Boys’ State Soccer Tournament.

 

Alongside fellow senior captains Simeon Packer, the team’s leading goal scorer with 22, and Micah Linscott, whose 38 assists lead the state, this Trojans team has already made program history with its deepest State run.

 

“It’s an honor because this is a great team, and I’m very proud to be a part of this team,” Stevens said. “Simeon and Micah have (been captains) for a long time, but for me it means a lot especially as a senior to step in and to get that captain’s band.”

 

A midfielder, Stevens plays an integral role with both the offensive and defensive units.

 

During North Hardin’s postseason run, particularly its 5-0 quarterfinal win against Perry County Central last Saturday, possession has been key for the Trojans. That begins with their mid line.

 

“For being one of the shortest kids on the field – he’s 5-foot-8, maybe – he wins a lot of head balls and puts himself in position to win defensive headers,” North Hardin coach Jim Stone said. “He can be dangerous. He’s important to the middle of the field for us, that’s for sure. He’s in the right place at the right time most of the time.”

 

Stone has been in awe of Stevens’ soccer IQ for quite some time. Whether it’s taking the right angle to cut off a breaking striker on the other side of the field, or winning a loose 50-50 ball to set up a teammate, Stevens finds ways to step up when his team needs a big play.

 

Part of his awareness is instinctual, part of who Stevens is beyond soccer. It’s all a credit to his many minutes logged with the Trojans and in rec leagues.

 

“He reads the game pretty well,” Stone said. “He’s played with Micah and Simeon since he was really young, and with J.P. he’s still got soccer smarts about him. A lot of it is just him being intuitive and able to read the game. What he lacks in athleticsm he more than makes up for it with soccer smarts.”

 

Stone said Stevens has been close to finding the back of the net on multiple occasions this season.

 

“He’s been near miss, near miss,” he said.

The "Liger" is my favorite animal and I can draw it better than anyone I know. Shut up Kip !

 

I bet I could kick this soccer ball over those mountains. Back in 83, we'd have won state if the coach had just put me in.

 

Love the quote, many on this forum now think you are insane.

The quote didn't do it....trust me.

The quote didn't do it....trust me.

 

Agreed!

Griffin Lamb goal with 6:30 to go in the first half. 1-0 Covington Catholic.

Cov Cath leads 1-0 at the half.

 

Cov Cath 13 shots on goal in the first half.

 

North Hardin 3 shots on goal in the first half.

Griffin Lamb goal with 6:30 to go in the first half. 1-0 Covington Catholic.

 

Stava assist.

CCH up 1-0 at half.

30 minutes remaining. Still 1-0 Cov Cath.

30 minutes remaining. Still 1-0 Cov Cath.

 

20 minutes now. Still 1-0 Colonels.