After three years at the helm of the Trigg County girls’ soccer team, first-year Todd County Central coach Matt Harper inherits a strong and experienced group of Lady Rebels in 2020. A year removed from the program’s first district title, Harper will look to help return the trophy to Elkton.
Former coach Katie Covington wrapped up four years in charge with a 10-11 season last year, concluding with a 4-0 loss to Franklin-Simpson in the 13th-District tournament.
A large hole left by the graduation of do-everything defender/midfielder Alexis Andrews could be Harper’s biggest concern. Andrews’ 10 goals were second on the team, and she could play all over the field for the Lady Rebels.
With seven starters returning, highlighted by sophomore Madison Henderson, the Lady Rebels look to have a nice blend of experienced players from the top to bottom of their lineup. Henderson banged in 31 goals to lead the team last season, falling just short of the list of the top-30 scorers in the state. Another creative player that can play both up top or in the midfield is senior Jenny Flores. She was tops on the team with 6 assists to go with 5 goals and should be one of the main players linking up with Henderson. Sophomore Hannah Oliver returns from a knee injury to provide another option in the attack.
Itzel Salazar chipped in 3 goals and an assist during her junior season and can play any position on the field. Senior Nikita Shutts and junior Tamiya Foster head up the backline in front of junior goalkeeper Sam Case. Case appeared in every game for the Lady Rebels last season, recording 5 shutouts while yielding 2.7 goals per game.
Harper says some new faces could play a big part as well, with junior Stacy Lopez able to defend as well as get down the sideline and deliver a cross. Three more defenders vying for time are Clara Collins, Darby Delph, and Lyndi Hall.
Todd County opens the season with a visit from district foe Russellville, after taking both meetings last season with the Lady Panthers by a combined 11-1 score. One game both teams may have circled is an October 3 visit from Trigg County. The Lady Wildcats won last season’s match 5-1 in Cadiz.
Coach Harper spoke to YSE’s Tom Rogers about the upcoming season.
