By Jack Little
Contributing Writer

In their last visit to Lincoln County, the Boyle County Rebels boys soccer team routed the Patriots 10-0 and won the 45th district championship. That result would leave a sour taste in Lincoln County’s mouths, but this game was their shot at redemption.

The Rebels, on the other hand, welcome back head coach Ty Short after his 3-game suspension and sophomore Fain Hackney after his week-long absence and were looking to make a statement with a big win in this game.

Boyle County came out of the gates firing on all cylinders with junior Jack Little putting away a cross-body shot to the right post less than a minute into the game to give the Rebels a 1-0 lead.

Little doubled his tally mere minutes later on a header after a beautiful cross by Hackney on the corner kick.

Lincoln County found more success after falling behind 2-0 by utilizing the long punt of goalkeeper Jackson Sims to spring a counter every time he got the ball.

Freshman Reece Carlton was nearly a benefactor of this strategy. He found himself 1-on-1 with Boyle goalkeeper McClain Denny, but Denny was up to the task, making the save and keeping the shutout alive.

The rest of the half was more or less uneventful. The Rebels had a few shots from close proximity but Sims made some key saves to keep the game in striking distance for the Patriots.

Despite the result, the Lincoln County Patriots will be pleased with his performance. He had a fantastic day, keeping out everything he could, including a penalty.

The second half started just like the first: with a Boyle County goal. Junior Brock Keller finished from inside the six-yard box after a cross by senior AJ Fluty to extend the lead to 3-0.

The Rebels scored again soon afterward with senior Judson Perry finding the net from close range after a pass from sophomore Matthew Britt. 4-0 Boyle.

Britt gave great energy off the bench and he got himself a goal after a tidy move and finish into the bottom corner to make it 5.

Boyle finished off a great second half with freshman Alan Wireman getting his second of the season and capping off the 6-0 win.

Matthew Britt had a goal and 2 assists on the night off the bench and was pleased with his team’s performance. “We played pretty well and it was good to get another win in district play. Got to beat Garrard next Tuesday to clinch that 1st spot, though.”

As Britt mentioned, the Rebels will play next against the Garrard County Golden Lions next Tuesday at Garrard.

Boyle would clinch the 1st seed in the 45th district tournament with a win in that game, but the Golden Lions will be looking to get out of the last place spot and get their first district win since 2015.