Senior Night is supposed to be about a team’s seniors. On Thursday night, that was exactly the case as seniors Ernesto Gomez and Cole Hawkins had 2nd half goals to lead the Coffee County CHS soccer team to their first victory over Tullahoma in the program’s history. Perhaps even more importantly, senior Lafredo Ramirez was spectacular in goal as he had 12 saves including 2 saves in each the last 5 minutes of each half to ensure the win. After a scoreless 1st half in which Tullahoma out shot Coffee County 8 to 5, the Raiders dominated play in the second half to retain the Coffee Cup Trophy. Ernesto found the back of the goal first in the 46th minute from the top of the 18 yard box. Cole Hawkins rang a shot off the goal post in the 48th minute as the Raider offense peppered the Tullahoma keeper with shots. Hawkins got a 2nd chance 2 minutes later on a corner kick as he headed the crossing kick into the top of the Tullahoma net that gave Coffee County a lead they would not relinquish. With the win, Coffee County finishes the season with a 6 and 1 record in district games earning a home game and the 2nd seed for the upcoming District Tournament. Coffee County closes the season at Warren County on Tuesday in a 7:00 PM match.
In middle school soccer, a first half hat trick by Drake Medina and a penalty kick off the toe of Briggs Haithcock were the only points the Coffee County Middle School soccer team needed as they dropped South Franklin on Thursday night in the first round of the CTC conference tournament. The win advances Coffee County to the semifinals of the conference tournament which will be held at Shelbyville. The Raiders will take on top seeded Warren County on Saturday morning in a 10:45 AM game.