MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- Friday night was the first time that CSAS had ever been to a state final. After making it to the state tournament a few times in the past few years, CSAS would look to find their first title in school history. Gatlinburg-Pittman knocked them out last year in the opening round 3-1. Unfortunately for the CSAS Patriots, they would fall to the Highlanders again this year with a final score of 2-1.
Not much happened in the first half. On the defensive side of the ball, things looked extremely disciplined. There weren’t many successful attempts to get the ball in the box. CSAS focused on their possession in the midfield. They used this strategy all year due to the positive outcomes from it. Gatlinburg-Pittman used counter attacks on the wings to get them into the final third and try to find a pass in the middle. The first half went by completely scoreless leaving it up in the air.
The second half was not only filled with more action, but more heated emotions. Two minutes in and CSAS has penalty called against them. A foul on the edge of the box by Franklin Anthony would be called a penalty for the Highlanders. Eli Colbert would take and score. Only ten minutes later and another penalty called against CSAS. This time a last minute try of desperation to stop a breakaway would be an easier call for the officials. Brandon Ramirez would take it this time and score making it a 2-0 lead.
It was an uphill climb for the Patriots for the rest of the half. Hope was still alive for them as they would press their offense high and start finding more attacks. With twenty minutes remaining, CSAS center back, Rithvik Siddenki would score and make it a one goal lead. Will Hetrick put in the corner and Siddenki crashed on it. despite about a dozen strong chances to score, the Patriots couldn’t find their goal to even it up.
Before the final whistle, CSAS head coach, Ryan Jacobs, would receive his second yellow card to get a red card and an ejection. Jacobs had plenty to say during the game about the officials and their calls. This led to heated emotions and Jacobs was forced to leave the game early.
CSAS finished their season with an impressive record of 19-3-3 and a first ever state final run. The coaches and players were filed with heartbreak and emotions. The Patriots will be graduating eleven seniors. These guys have played together for several years and have worked non-stop to get to this point.
Coach Jacobs spoke after the game on his emotions and his thoughts about how the game played out. This is Jacobs first year and first state championship run.
“These boys, they are fantastic. They are good humans and good soccer players. They are going to make differences in the world. I wish they could have had the moment they deserved. I’m going to always protect my boys. If I feel that they are not being protected, I’m going to let someone know about it. I can’t take away from what the boys did. It’s pretty amazing for them. I was involved somewhat, but it is all about them. Its heartbreaking, but at the same time the run that we had was together. And we are together.”
Will Hetrick, who captained this team all year and helped bring them to the state championship, spoke about his teammates ad the year that they have had.
“There has never been a dull moment and it has been amazing. Every day, every season, every practice. Everything that we have accomplished together and everything we have been through together has been amazing. I wouldn’t change it for the world. Never ever would I change it for the world. These guys mean the world to me, and I love them with everything. It sucks that we didn’t go this far, but I know in years to come they will be better than we were.”
Will Hetrick graduates this year and go on to play soccer for ETSU in the fall of 2024. Will Parris also spoke after the game about the emotions of the loss and the journey of this season.
“This senior class has been through the thick of it together. We have been playing for so long together. We are a family like brothers. We win as a team, and we lose as a team. We don’t blame each other. We are a team we are a family. I am losing with my family. It is what it is. The game went how it went, but I am still proud of everyone. This was our first time making it to a state title. So, we know it is possible now and we need to keep our heads high. The youth and the upcoming freshman need to step up and get into their leadership roles.”
Game Summary
CSAS 0 1 -- 1
Gatlinburg-Pittman 0 2 -- 2
Goal Scorers:
CSAS- Rithvik Siddenki; Gatlinburg-Pittman- Eli Colbert, Brandon Ramirez.
(Contact Alex McElyea at alexmcelyea26@gmail.com)