JUMPING INTO NEW CHAPTERS: Somerset falls in first round of state tournament

Photo by Jacob Pratt: Somerset senior Andrew Tomlinson (5) leaps over Campbell County senior goalkeeper Alexander Jenkins during the Jumpers' 3-2 loss to the Camels in the first round of the KHSAA State Tournament on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024.

ALEXANDRIA - The Somerset Briar Jumpers were hyper-focused heading into their first round contest against the hosting Campbell County Camels in the first round of the KHSAA State Tournament. With Saturday's regional title win fresh in their minds, this "Redeem Team" was hoping to continue their legendary run with a win against a Camels team that were way better than their 14-8-1 record suggested.

For 80 minutes, the representative from the 12th Region battled against the 10th Region representative, but due to three goals given up by the Jumpers in the first half, they ultimately couldn't recover and fell by a single goal margin 3-2. Despite falling, head coach Tyler Gillum couldn't have been prouder of his group.

"Tonight is kind of the story of our season, a couple unlucky bounces don't go our way and just not being able to capitalize. Sometimes, that's just how things go," he explained.

In just the second minute of the contest, Campbell County sophomore Blake Minor had a shot on the goal that was saved by Landen Lonesky. After multiple looks by the Camels in the first few minutes, Tyson Absher had two straight close attempts in the sixth minute, with a shot by senior Zach Franzen going just wide of the goal soon after. Absher scored the first goal of the evening in the eighth minute, with his light tap rolling right past the goalkeeper to give the Jumpers the first lead of the ball game.

Photo by Jacob Pratt: Somerset senior Tyson Absher celebrates after scoring a goal during the Jumpers' loss to Campbell County on Tuesday.

Senior Austin Bush had a shot that was tipped and deflected over the goal following a free kick, with the Camels still getting multiple shots on the goal through the first 15 minutes. Andrew Tomlinson had a shot on the goal in the 16th minute that was wide of the net. Franzen had the equalizer on a header in the 25th minute, tying the contest up 1-1. That goal, however, gave the Camels all the momentum they needed to take control of the game over the final 15 minutes.

Freshman Mesfin Brown had a shot that unluckily bounced off the foot of a Somerset player and over the goal line, giving the home team a now 2-1 advantage over Somerset. They weren't done scoring in the half though, as Minor earned a goal shortly before the half on a play that was slightly controversial as it looked as if an attacking player could have been offsides. Nonetheless, the Camels took a 3-1 advantage into the break and the Jumpers desperately needed some momentum.

They got just that with barely two minutes gone off the clock in the second half, as Tomlinson found a good look and struck the ball into the right side of the net to trim Campbell County's lead down to just 3-2. Bush had another strike that looked like it was going to be another goal for the Camels, but Lonesky came in clutch with a one-handed deflection to tip the ball over the net. Lonesky had another save in the 52nd minute in a ton of traffic as he was more than making up for a shaky first half performance.

Photo by Jacob Pratt: Somerset senior goalkeeper Landen Lonesky (right) attempts to deflect a shot away during the Jumpers' contest against Campbell County on Tuesday night.

Tomlinson had a great look in the 57th minute, but Campbell County senior goalkeeper Alexander Jenkins had a fantastic save to prevent the score. Eli Eastham had a look that was shanked, before Absher's chance at a tying goal was just wide in the 68th minute. Somerset's time was running out, and eventually the Camels began to play slow in order to wind down the clock. That plan worked as the chances for the Jumpers became fewer and fewer. As the clock struck zero, the Jumpers' season came to a close with a 3-2 loss to the Camels and so too did the careers of a wonderful group of seniors come to a close. Coach Gillum was emotionally when discussing his seniors and knows they will all go on to big things.

"This group of seniors has done more for me than they will ever know. They were my practice kids before I became a Dad. Often times, they were my saving grace over the past seven years. I would have rather them go out with a little bit more flair and style, because that is more them, but at some point you have to write that last chapter. While this may be the last chapter with me and with those colors on, many of them are going to move on to bigger and better things. I'm really proud of them and we are going to miss them," he described.

Photo by Jacob Pratt: Somerset junior Eli Eastham (right) and senior Tyson Absher (9) react after a missed shot during the game between the Briar Jumpers and the Campbell County Camels on Tuesday.

Indeed, the final chapter has been written on the Somerset careers for seniors Tyson Absher, Carson Beattie, Oskar Lintzen, Landen Lonesky, Kean Taylor, Andrew Tomlinson, Aidan Tucker and Avelardo Cortes Jose, but there are many chapters of their life still to be written. Best of luck to all of these seniors on what is to come in their life, and congratulations for absolutely wonderful careers. It has been an honor to tell your journey, and you have made the Briar Jumper Nation proud. Take this next 'jump' with confidence into the rest of your lives!