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THE REDEEM TEAM: Somerset takes down West Jess in defensive battle to claim 12th Region title


Photo by Jacob Pratt: The Somerset Briar Jumpers hoist the 12th Region trophy into the air after defeating West Jessamine 1-0 on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024.

DANVILLE - By the end of an epic 80 minute clash between the Briar Jumpers of Somerset and the Colts of West Jessamine, tears of joy were being shed by fans and players in the Purple and Gold, as well as head coach Tyler Gillum, as Somerset had successfully avenged a 1-0 loss to the Colts in last year’s region title clash by reversing the script with a 1-0 win of their own. Coach Gillum was understandably emotional following the victory.

“Luckily we will be off Sunday. This one was a bit emotional for me. This group of seniors is something special. Having my kid here when the last time we won he was just born, it's great having my family here and having all of our families here. It is so heart-warming to see how strong our community is and how much they back these boys, I'm at a loss for words and I'm loosing my voice," he explained.


Photo by Jacob Pratt: West Jessamine junior goalkeeper Tolan Beaty (right) attempts to tip a shot over the net during the Colts' loss to Somerset on Saturday at Boyle County.

Tyson Absher, after suffering an injury in the semifinals, had the first close look at the goal in the second minute of the game. Senior Henry Clarke had a look at a header in the fourth minute that also missed its mark. Senior Spencer Brown was called for a yellow card in the 15th minute as both defenses were holding stout through the first 20 minutes of the contest.

After a yellow card on Aidan Tucker, Absher had a close look in the 21st minute that was no good after an offsides call. Absher had a shot in the 30th minute that was saved by the West Jessamine goalkeeper as still neither team could score. Landen Lonesky had a pair of great saves in the 33rd minute, with the senior goalkeeper locked in by this point.

A shot from Kaden Carson in the 37th minute was saved once again by Lonesky. Luke Stringer was called for a yellow card in the 39th minute as it looked like the team’s were going to head to the half tied. However, Andrew Tomlinson had other plans, as the senior found a quick breakaway opportunity after a booming goal kick from Lonesky, with his shot sailing into the back of the net for a 1-0 Somerset edge at the break.

Absher’s shot in the 45th minute was wide, with the Jumpers looking for a 2-0 lead. Lonesky had several more saved over the next few minutes, before Absher was called for a yellow card in the 55th minute, with Somerset’s destiny standing just 25 minutes away.


Photo by Jacob Pratt: Somerset senior Tyson Absher (right) attempts a sliding shot past the defense of West Jessamine senior Henry Clarke during the Jumpers' contest against the Colts on Saturday night.

Carson had several attempts over the next few minutes as the Colts were trying to level the score. Lonesky had a tip save in the 67th minute off a shot from sophomore Titus Andrews, with the ball nearly clearing the uprights on Boyle’s football field for a good field goal for the senior. Brown received his second yellow card soon after, meaning he was ejected from the contest.

The final 10 minutes were here and all of Briar Jumper Nation were on their feet, hoping for a second regional title in the past four years. Absher had a great look in the 77th minute to further push out their lead but it was wide. Nervousness began to set in over the final few minutes, but as the clock ticked to zero, Somerset exploded with emotion as they celebrated a 1-0 win over West Jess that gave them not only the regional crown, but a revenge win over the Colts to go with it. Coach Gillum was so proud of his senior goalkeeper Lonesky with the clean sheet in the game after being taken out of last year's regional final due to a red card.

"Man among boys in that goal. Got his redemption from last year, moves up to fifth all-time in career shutouts in the state. He is just amazing and there aren't many like him, and as humble as can be," he stated fighting through tears.


Photo by Jacob Pratt: West Jessamine senior Ty Huff (15) attempts a slide tackle on an attacking Somerset senior Kean Taylor (2) during the game between the Colts and the Briar Jumpers on Saturday.

The 12th Region All-Tournament team was announced following the game. Representing Lincoln County was Jayden Warmouth, representing East Jessamine was Jonathan Nieto, representing Pulaski County was Keegan Keith, representing Somerset Christian was Nikkas Thannoli, representing Wayne County was Reese Jones and Zachary Hesse, representing Boyle County was Andrew Carr and Jackson Thornberry, representing West Jessamine was Landon Davis, Henry Clarke and Ty Huff, and representing Somerset was Andrew Tomlinson, Landen Lonesky, Tyson Absher and Aidan Tucker.

West Jessamine's season comes to a close with a record of 11-9-2. Best of luck to seniors Spencer Brown, Kaden Carson, Henry Clarke, Ty Huff, William Pile, Joshua Sayasane, Tyler Stockton and Grant Wright on all of their future endeavors.

Somerset's record improves to 17-4 and the Jumpers will represent the 12th Region in the Boys' Soccer State Tournament. They will first play at the winners of the 10th Region, the Campbell Camels, on Tuesday, with first kick scheduled for 7 p.m.


Independent local stories like this are available to capture the essence of local sports. Support my continued independent work solely funded by donations. Local sport stories always deserve full coverage, it is my passion to highlight the talent and hard work put in by our youth. If you feel like donating, my Venmo is @PRATT-3523. 

 
 
 

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