Published: December 01, 2008 06:51 pm            

All-Area Boys Soccer: Russell, Rowan reign

Rowan County’s Jon Sergent and Russell’s Corey Barker made opponents nervous with their playmaking ability on the soccer field.

The two seniors led their teams to highly successful seasons and now share Player of the Year honors on The Independent’s 2008 Boys All-Area Team.

Barker put in two dozen goals and helped set up several for his teammates as Russell finished 15-3-2 and reached the regional finals.

“Corey is just a phenomenal player,’’ said Red Devils coach Joe Grizzle. “I hope the colleges realize that and somebody picks him up.’’

Sergent, a forward and midfielder, connected for 20 goals and six assists as Rowan County advanced all the way to the state’s Sweet Sixteen.

“Jon is a dynamic player that can change the momentum of a game at any time,’’ Evans said.

Sergent, a second team All-State selection, racked up practically every award possible this season.

He capped his high school career with an outstanding performance in the state’s East-West All-Star Game. Sergent had a goal and two assists in the East squad’s 4-3 loss.

“In big games, Jon really stepped forward,’’ Evans said. “He got us out of the first round of the region with two goals (2-1 overtime win against East Carter) and had a crucial assist in the finals to help us get past Russell (2-0).’’

Sergent and sophomore teammate Alex Bowling, who headed in both goals against Russell, were named Co-MVPs of the Region 11 Tournament.

“It was an awesome season,’’ Sergent said. “We played well at tournament time and accomplished a lot.’’

Sergent carries a 3.9 grade point average and said Centre College is recruiting him “pretty hard.’’

He also plays basketball and runs cross country and track.

“Jon has already been offered a track scholarship,’’ Evans said. “He’s very well-rounded. He even plays the trumpet.’’

Area coaches voted Evans the Coach of the Year. Rowan’s victory in the regional finals was his 100th at the school.

“I’m real excited to get that award, especially coming from your peers and the media,’’ Evans said. “We played a pretty tough schedule leading up to the postseason and it helped us. We finished strong.’’

The Vikings’ season ended with a 3-2 overtime loss to Pendleton County at the Sub-Section level.

Bowling contributed 12 goals and 12 assists for the Vikings. Other Rowan County players chosen for the All-Area Team included senior sweeper Lowell Neeper and junior midfielder Danny Weigel.

Russell’s Barker received Player of the Year honors for the second year in a row. Last season, he tied with teammate Zach Virgin.

“I was actually surprised I got it this time considering I got hurt late in the season,’’ said Barker, who made only a brief appearance in the regional title game due to a leg injury. “Jon had a great year. I just wish I could have been 100 percent for regionals.’’

Barker still finished with 58 goals over his last two seasons.

“It’s the second great year I’ve had with this team,’’ Barker. “It was mostly the same team as last season and we had really high expectations.’’

The Red Devils repeated as district champion and posted a third consecutive shutout in the regional opener against Bath County.

Russell led the All-Area Team with five selections. Midfielder Michael Bajorek supplied 15 goals and eight assists. Sweeper Travis Fischer, stopper Jason Dolly and goalkeeper Andrew Braun led the defense.

Ashland, 11-6-1 under new head coach Denny Henderson, placed midfielder Will Skaggs, forward John Baldock, versatile Aaron Wheeler and goalkeeper Kyle Hacker.

Skaggs and Baldock combined for 24 goals. Wheeler’s 15 assists ranked among the state leaders and he also scored five goals. Hacker had seven shutouts and 185 saves.

East Carter midfielders Andrew Cline and Caleb Yankey helped pave the way for a 10-8-2 season under first-year coach Ben Fritz. The Raiders beat Ashland 3-0 to reach the District 22 championship game.

Senior midfielder Levi Pennington was a catalyst behind Boyd County’s winning season.

ROCKY STANLEY cam be reached at rstanley@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2671.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.