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Patriots claim first soccer district championship since 2014




District 9-AA Champions - White House Heritage PatriotsJOEL CLINGER

District 9-AA Champions – White House Heritage PatriotsJOEL CLINGER

The White House Heritage boys soccer team continued their historic season with a 1-0 victory Wednesday night over White House to win the District 9-AA championship.

Heritage kept the ball in their offensive half for most of the first half. A strike from junior Jake Thornhill gave the Patriots the only goal of the game in the 22nd minute.

White House kept pushing forward in the second half but to no avail. District 9-AA Co-Goalkeeper of the Year Will Wilson added another clean sheet to his resume.

This is the Patriots’ first district title since 2014. The last time they played in the Region 5-AA tournament was in 2017.

Heritage head coach Mark Redferrin said he is happy to see his players experience moments like these.

“It’s great for me because I’m just competitive and I just love to win, but I don’t do this for me,” Redferrin said. “To see our players just rewarded for all the hard work that they put in, especially this year, missing their season last year, coming out and just to work so hard, they give me everything everyday.

White House senior Cason Cooper throws the ball in.JOEL CLINGER

White House senior Cason Cooper throws the ball in.JOEL CLINGER

“It’s just nice to see it pay off for them. I hate to say it because it’s cliche, but it really is about the kids… I just love to see the smiles on their faces because I remember those moments when I was their age, and they’re still with me even to this day.”

Nine members of the Heritage team, including Redferrin, were honored with all-district or all-tournament honors. Senior Caleb Oehlkers was named District 9-AA Most Valuable Player. The awards are another sign for Redferrin that his team is progressing.

“I think it’s just validation to these players and to our fans and to our school community of what we’re trying to do here and what I’m trying to accomplish with our team,” Redferrin said. “That should just build a great culture built on respect and integrity for everybody involved in the athletic and academic process.”

The Patriots will now have the chance to host their regional matchup, due to the victory. They will play Martin Luther King Jr. High School Monday, May 17 at 7 p.m.

White House's Bryson Harper tries to get past Heritage's Asher Green with the ball.JOEL CLINGER

White House’s Bryson Harper tries to get past Heritage’s Asher Green with the ball.JOEL CLINGER

Redferrin said there is an advantage playing at home, but at the end of the day, the game is decided by the same players.

“The biggest thing is just not having to go to somewhere else,” Redferrin said. “You’re on your turf so to speak, but I think when the whistle blows, I think it’s just 22 guys battling. Whether it’s the other team’s fans cheering or it’s your team’s fans cheering, it all feels like they’re cheering for you.”

Whtie House head coach Mark Lamberth had the same outlook as his team will have to travel for their regional matchup against STEM Preparatory Academy.

“As far as I look, the state tournament’s on the road, so you’re going to play on the road when it matters anyway,” Lamberth said.

Heritage's Asher Green attempts to clear the ball away from danger.JOEL CLINGER

Heritage’s Asher Green attempts to clear the ball away from danger.JOEL CLINGER

Senior Heritage goalkeeper Will Wilson picks up the ball Wednesday.JOEL CLINGER

Senior Heritage goalkeeper Will Wilson picks up the ball Wednesday.JOEL CLINGER

Bryson Harper tries to cut back to score in the first half.JOEL CLINGER

Bryson Harper tries to cut back to score in the first half.JOEL CLINGER

White House's Wesley Moore tries to shield Dalton Kniola from the ball.JOEL CLINGER

White House’s Wesley Moore tries to shield Dalton Kniola from the ball.JOEL CLINGER

Will Wilson runs up for the goal kick.JOEL CLINGER

Will Wilson runs up for the goal kick.JOEL CLINGER

White House's Haden Cooper attempts a cross.JOEL CLINGER

White House’s Haden Cooper attempts a cross.JOEL CLINGER

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The District 9-AA All-Tournament TeamJOEL CLINGER

The District 9-AA All-Tournament TeamJOEL CLINGER

The All-District 9-AA TeamJOEL CLINGER

The All-District 9-AA TeamJOEL CLINGER

White House head coach Mark Lamberth hands over the championship plaque to the three Heritage captains: Emiliano Roque, Ian Messina and Dalton Kniola.JOEL CLINGER

White House head coach Mark Lamberth hands over the championship plaque to the three Heritage captains: Emiliano Roque, Ian Messina and Dalton Kniola.JOEL CLINGER

The Patriots celebrate Wednesday with their trophy.JOEL CLINGER

The Patriots celebrate Wednesday with their trophy.JOEL CLINGER

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