The thought of what might have happened still echoes in White House Heritage head soccer coach Mark Redfelin's mind.
He knows the Patriots missed a golden opportunity to make history last spring.
“We weren’t happy with the way we did last year,” Redfellin said. “I have been thinking about that fateful day in May ever since it happened and have used it as motivation for myself.
“I’ve been thinking about it all offseason, preseason and all that time.”
The Patriots made it to the playoffs last year with an impressive record of 14-0-4. They were loaded with talent, including four college signees led by Robertson County Player of the Year Dylan Tate and District 9-AA Player of the Year Cameron Grooms.
The two combined for 52 goals and 18 assists, and Tate finished his senior year as the school's all-time single-season goalscorer (36 goals).
“There was a lot of talent on that team,” Redferrin said. “A few college players and some really quality starters. We just couldn't finish the job and it left a bad taste in our mouth.”
Heritage was ultimately upset 2-1 by Greenbrier in the District 9-AA championship, then lost in a shutout to MLK in the District 5-AA semifinals. They fell short of qualifying for the section for the second consecutive year.
“Making amends was kind of the undertone of this season,” Redfellin said. “We lost seven starting pitchers, but our players knew they had to step up and compete. There were a lot of open jobs, so our focus throughout the preseason was to figure out who was the best.” It was about stepping up and seizing the opportunity in front of me.”
Nate Spicer, Cole Neely, Seth Martinez, and Juan Lorenzo are just a few of the names that answered the call this spring. These four, along with fellow All-District 6A selections Noah Greene and Justin Kozlyk, pushed the Patriots back to the brink of history.
Heritage got revenge last week by defeating top-seeded Liberty Creek 4-2 in the district title game. Martinez, Lorenzo, Kozlyk and Jack Dempsey each scored as the Patriots won their third division title in four years.
Heritage (8-11) carried that momentum and defeated Jackson County 7-1 in the Region 3-A semifinals on Monday. The Patriots scored five goals in the first half to defeat the Blue Devils in a rain-soaked game in Robertson County.
Heritage qualified for the regional championship later this week, securing a spot in Saturday's Class A sectional round.
“Our schedule was really ready,” Redferrin said. “It wasn't the easiest thing in the world. There were some really tough teams and we were building chemistry. But in the second half of the year we started to see chemistry and we started to see some good results. I did.
“This team has come a long way in growth and development. They understand each other better and have a better understanding of what situations each other will be in.”
The Patriots scored three goals in the first eight minutes Monday as Spicer, Martinez and Dempsey each took shots past the Blue Devils' defense.
Dempsey electrified Jackson County with his finesse and free runs to the net, finishing the night with a record four goals.
“My four goals are a huge credit to my teammates,” Dempsey said. “They put me in position to play with ball placement, so I take that as a team effort.”
Neely, District 6-2A's secondary goaltender of the year, remained largely unperturbed for most of the night. The Patriots' senior goaltender gave up a goal to Jackson County sophomore Aiden Netherton in the second half, but from then on he was perfect.
Heritage will play either Liberty Creek or Smith County in the regional title game on Wednesday or Thursday, weather permitting.
Redferrin and Dempsey hope the Patriots can continue their string of great plays and finish the week with a piece of history.
Heritage is looking to make its second state tournament appearance and first since 2008.
“This team won't need extra motivation heading into Saturday,” Redferrin said. “It's going to be the biggest game of their high school careers. I think that alone will be enough to get them fired up and ready to play.”
“When you think about it, just thinking about Heritage coming back to the state tournament gives me goosebumps,” Dempsey added. “It's something you circle on your calendar and hope it happens. I'd love to trade my left foot to play in the state tournament, so I hope I can do that.”
