It might be easy to focus on the fact that the Christian County Colonels’ soccer team lost 13 seniors and a key junior to transfer from the 2024 team that finished runner-up in the District 8 tournament.
However, if you do that, it would be an injustice to the 2025 squad, which will be the last Christian County Colonels’ soccer team before consolidation with Hopkinsville High School in 2026.
Colonels’ coach Avery Seeger said he’s hoping for good seasons from seniors Noah Davis and Edgar Galvan and junior Cooper Fort.
“We lost 13 seniors and that was a big blow, but we have several players that we can count on to be both the leadership we need, but also the engine and anchor to our team,” Seeger said.
Defensively, the Colonels will play Preston Gentry in goal. Gentry will have to replace goal keeper Mason Malone, who transferred to Bowling Green. Malone started all 20 games for the Colonels last year and only gave up 42 goals while earning eight shutouts.
“Losing Mason Malone was a big loss as I believe he is one of the best goal keepers in the region and we could always rely on him to step up and keep us solid in defense,” Seeger said. “Preston (Gentry) has been stepping up and gaining confidence. He continues to grow every practice and every game. I fully believe by the district tournament he will be a force to be reckoned with and someone we know we can rely on.”
Defensively, the Colonels also will rely on senior Yanixan Geja and Galvan.
At midfield, Christian County returns several key players including Fort and Davis. Junior Victor Hernandez and freshman Logan Renshaw also have stepped up in the preseason.
“Our midfielders this year are very solid, good players and obviously the team is looking for them to be the core of our team both in skill, intelligence, and leadership,” Seeger said.
Davis is the team’s top returning scorer after scoring nine goals and providing three assists a year ago.
Seeger said the players at the top of the offense are still a work in progress.
“We’re trying to figure out the best fit for that position,” he said. “But I will say that our strength up top comes in speed, creativity, and selflessness no matter who is there.”
Losing 13 seniors also may have left some teams with a hole in the leadership department. But Seeger said he has seen his team come together in the preseason due to the leadership of several of his players.
“Noah Davis, Cooper Fort, Payton Smale, and Edgar Galvan have shown what kind of men they are and how much they value this team and want to lead them to success,” Seeger said. “I’m extremely proud of that as a coach. At the same time, I really enjoy how much this team this year just enjoys playing soccer and playing, fighting, and bleeding with each other.”
Senior Micah Samford and juniors Jensen Nolte and Jeffery Joiner also return after playing major minutes for the Colonels last season.
Seeger added that his team could surprise anyone who thinks the Colonels can’t compete for a District 8 title this season.
“I’m naïve enough to think that the district isn’t looking at us and thinking that we’re going to be young and that we’re going to struggle, but I believe this city will be surprised at what these guys can do,” Seeger said. “We will battle, compete, and bleed, because that’s who we are and that’s what it means to be a Colonel.”
Christian County opens the season tonight at home against Franklin-Simpson.
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