Frazier Saves the Day for the
Tomcats in 16th Region Championship
Pierzalla and Barnett Net Goals for Ashland
James Collier
Ashland Beacon
Ashland defeated Russell in the 16th Region Championship, 2-1, to pick up the Tomcats first region crown since 2020.
Ashland took the lead over Russell in the 50th minute of the championship on a Troy Barnett goal off a corner kick. Goalie Sawyer Frazier’s’ diving save with 15 minutes left in regulation kept the Tomcats lead at one. Silas Pierzala added a goal in the 78th minute. Frazier later received a red card with 8 seconds remaining in the game that allowed Russell’s Joe Kaczmarcyk to connect on a penalty kick as the game ended 2-1 favoring the Tomcats. The Senior Frazier will not be allowed to participate in the opening round game of the State Tournament when Ashland will host 15th Region Champion Lawrence County Tuesday night at 7 p.m.
The Tomcats won a pair of 4-0 contests over West Carter and Rowan County in the opening rounds of the 16thRegion tournament.
Zach Mccomis, Silas Pierzala, Ryan Runyon and Nick Parker netted goals in the win over West Carter. Nic Johnson assisted on a goal.
Gavin Maynard, Dean Young, Pierzala and Parker scored goals in the win over Rowan. Luke Stahler had two assists. Landon Griffith and Mccomis added one.
RUSSELL 15-6-1
Russell defeated Fleming County and East Carter in the 16th Region Tournament before falling to Ashland, 2-1 in the championship.
Jeison Benitez Ramires scored a pair of goals in the 6-1 win over Fleming County. Brylee Mullins, Alan Benitez Ramires, Noah Miller and Elijah Neel netted goals. Caden Hampton had four saves.
Jeison scored the lone goal in the 1-0 win over East Carter off an assist from Ben Totten. Hampton had one save in the shutout.
Russell closes its season at 15-6-1 while still in search of a 16th Region title.