History-Making Soccer Season
The 2023 HCHS Boy Soccer Team was made up of Jack Baird, Jeb Baird, Bubby Bethel, Theane Blanchet, Wyatt Chaney, Reid Croley, Jon Michael Crump, Adam Crump, Carmen Diaz, Drake Dennison, Johnathan Gardner, Noah Geralds, Matthew Greer, Dawson Harl, Trevor Harl, Hayden Jaggers, Trevor Kersey, Devin Oldham, Mason Pedigo, Lex Reynolds, Brayden Reynolds, Easton Richardson, Brextyn Rowe, Chandon Sexton, Jason Slyfield, Hunter Sydnor, Mason Tabor, Cole Trulock, and Ian Whitely.
Katrina England
Reporter
Hart Co. News-Herald
Hart County Raider athletes continue making history for the school, and the boys soccer team is no exception. They’ve just completed their best season in program history, finishing with a (win-loss-tie) record of 13-6-2. It is the highest winning percentage in team history.
“The 13 wins match the record for most wins in a season with the 2018 team which finished 13-8,” said Coach Jeremy Johnson. “The Raiders relied on a stingy defense and high powered offense throughout the season to create a team that will go down in school history as one of the best.”
The Raiders were led by a strong senior class consisting of midfielders Carmen Diaz, Johnathan Gardner, Devin Oldham, Hunter Sydnor, and defender Jon Michael Crump.
“This senior class leaves as the winningest class, having collected a program record of 37 wins during their four years with the Raiders,” said Johnson. “In the program’s 16 years of playing varsity soccer, this is only the third senior class to have a winning overall record at the completion of their eligibility with an overall record of 37-36-3.”
Additionally, for the first time ever, 3 players – Jeb Baird (First Team), Johnathan Gardner (2nd Team), and Carmen Diaz (2nd Team) – were selected to the Kentucky High School Soccer Coaches Association Boys All-5th Region Team.
The 2023 season was highlighted by the longest unbeaten streak in school history of 14 consecutive games, where the Raiders won 12 games and tied 2. From August 15th until September 21st, the team didn’t drop a match while outscoring their opponents by a margin of 54-8. Included in that streak was a stretch of 7 consecutive wins, which is yet another program record. The previous record for consecutive matches, unbeaten or consecutive wins, was 4 matches.
“There are 201 schools in the state which offer boys varsity soccer, and the Raiders stacked up well this season against the competition in several statistical categories,” said Johnson. “The Raiders finished ranked 50th in team scoring, 40th in team scoring margin, 38th in team defense, and 35th in team shutouts. Individually, several Raider players left their mark.”
Jeb Baird finished the season ranked 17th in goals with 28 and 30th in total points (assists and goals combined) with 61. Johnathan Gardner dished out 23 assists on the season which set a school record and ranked him 8th in the state. Finally, Raider goalkeeper Dawson Harl finished ranked 30th in the state in complete game shutouts with 7.
“Overall, the 2023 season was one for the record books for the Hart County boys soccer program,” said Johnson. “Each player put in the work to improve their skills throughout the season and were a vital part of the team’s success. This can be seen through the many accolades achieved by the team and individual players. If you are looking to be a part of something great and to continue the winning culture we are building with Raider soccer, come join the fun. Soccer practice for the 2024 season begins July 15!”
All-District: Jon Michael Crump and Wyatt Chaney. Photo submitted.
Seniors Jonathan Gardner, Devin Oldham, Carmen Diaz, Coach Jeremy Johnson, Jon Michael Crump, and Hunter Sydnor. Photo submitted.
