What is at steak for Highlands, NC in the boys soccer regional tournament?

Allen Ramsey Photo. The Highlands (left) and Newport Central Catholic soccer teams battled it out for a district championship last week. They will have more tough battles in the 9th Region Tournament.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

When thinking of the 9th Region boys soccer tournament, one may think back to the great region title game last year.

The 36th District rival Highlands Bluebirds and Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds battled into overtime scoreless. About a minute into overtime, Highlands’ Cole Davis-Roberts drew a foul near midfield. He booted the ball into the attacking zone. The ball veered left to the foot of Mitch Gesenhues who put the ball in for the region-winning goal. Highlands then beat West Jessamine in the first round of the state tournament before losing to eventual state champion Lexington Paul Dunbar in the state quarterfinals.

The two could meet again in the region title game. But they have some tough competition to go through before even thinking about that.

The Bluebirds (9-8-5) overcame an 0-6-4 start to win its first district championship since 2010, 2-1 on penalty kicks over Newport Central Catholic (11-7-3). Highlands drew 33rd runner-up Boone County (7-8-5) at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Tower Park. The teams tied 0-0 at the same location on Sept. 9. Highlands finished 5-2-1 against the field.

The Bluebirds have outscored opponents, 34-26. Their leading goal-scorers are Noah Sellers, Ben Schweitzer and Brady Gesenhues with five goals each. Colton Wagoner leads Highlands with five assists.

Highlands has posted nine shutouts on the season led by experienced senior goalkeeper Nick Breslin. The defense has been solid led by seniors Adam Barbro and Devin Dupont.

The Bluebirds hope to play four games on their home turf as they play host to the region. The semifinals take place at 6 and 8 p.m. Wednesday and the title game takes place Saturday at 8 p.m.

NewCath drew the team with the best record in the region in the Cooper Jaguars (18-2). Cooper’s lone loss came to Boone County. The 33rd champion Jaguars had to beat Ryle on penalty kicks to make it to the region title game. Cooper has outscored opponets 45-11 on the season.

The Thoroughbreds are 2-4-1 against the field. They did not face Dixie Heights. They’ve appeared in the last three region championship games winning the 10th in 2011 before losing to Montgomery County in the sweet 16.

The Thoroughbreds have outscored opponents, 48-23 on the season. They have posted eight shutouts led by senior goalkeeper Paul Grosser.

Senior Jacob Hensley leads NewCath with 11 goals in the balanced attack. Teammate Patrick Louis has nine to go with 11 assists. Seth Freppon leads the Thoroughbreds with 12 assists.

The winner of this game takes on either Covington Catholic or Dixie Heights in the semifinals. CovCath has outscored opponents 51-17 on the season.

The 9th Region champion will play host to the sweet 16 game. That champion will take on the 11th Region champion.