By Terry Boehmker
NKy Tribune sports reporter
St. Henry senior forward DJ Sanders had three goals and one assist in his team’s 6-1 win over Cooper in the opening round of the 9th Region boys’ soccer tournament on Tuesday.
The Crusaders advance to the semifinals and face defending regional and state champion Covington Catholic at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Ryle High School. CovCath blanked Newport Central Catholic, 2-0, in a first-round match on Monday to post its eighth shutout in the last nine games and 13th of the season.
In the other 9th Region first-round games on Monday, Highlands defeated Beechwood, 4-0, and Ryle knocked off Dixie Heights, 8-0. The winning teams will face off in a semifinal game at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Ryle. Two weeks ago, Highlands edged Ryle, 1-0, in a regular season game.
Highlands notched its 16th shutout in the win against Beechwood with Solomon Farris and Collin Ginter each scoring two goals for the Bluebirds.
Both local teams in the 10th Region playoffs picked up first-round victories on Monday. Brossart defeated Mason County, 4-1, and Campbell County eliminated Paris, 4-0. Colton Schneider had two goals and two assists for the Camels.
North Oldham ended Simon Kenton’s season with a 3-0 win in the first round of the 8th Region tournament on Monday.
9TH REGION AT RYLE
Thursday
Highlands vs. Ryle, 5:30 p.m.
Covington Catholic vs. St. Henry, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday
Championship game, 4:30 p.m.
10th REGION AT MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Thursday
Campbell County vs. Pendleton County, 6 p.m.
Brossart vs. Montgomery County, 8 p.m.
Saturday
Championship game, 6 p.m.