Blue scores four goals to lead Wildcats in rout of Chanute

By Andy Brown
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Updated: October 7, 2024

Photo courtesy of Julie Buckley / LHS Yearbook
Louisburg senior Colton Blue scored four goals during last Tuesday’s match against Chanute and scored another in Thursday’s loss to Ottawa.

In the midst of a four-game losing skid, the Louisburg boys soccer team had some pent up frustration.

After starting the year with four straight wins, losing four straight takes its toll on a team and the Wildcats took all their frustration out on their next opponent.

Louisburg hosted Chanute on Oct. 1 and the Wildcats wasted no time finding the back of the net as they rolled to an 8-0 victory.

“We had a great deal of energy from the very first whistle against Chanute,” Louisburg coach Bobby Bovaird said. “After experiencing that 4-game losing streak, it was important for us to get our mindsets right. It’s a pivotal time for this group, and I’m so proud of their character and determination. They really embraced the message I gave them before the game — play for a greater purpose, persevere through adversity, and be united as a team from start to finish.”

Wildcat senior Colton Blue had a big night for the Wildcats as he finished with four goals and also tacked on an assist. Junior Owen Marsh also tallied two goals and two assists.

Senior Emmett White found the back of the net and sophomore Eamon Grove scored his first varsity goal late to ice the victory.

Ryder Erickson and Caleb Feldkamp also had assists on the night, while Brody Bovaird, Jacob Brown, Grant Cannon and Erickson each had a shot on target.

Junior goalie Evan Moreland got the clean sheet, while the back line of Mika McKitrick, Cole Clover, Ethan Sharp and Dan Minster limited Chanute’s opportunities.

“We built on each other’s energy and came out with a huge momentum,” coach Bovaird said. “We got two goals midway through the first half, and then with less than a minute left, we put in a third goal. Then, at the start of the second half, we got another goal within the first 15 seconds. We didn’t stop there — nearly 35 seconds later we got one more. That’s three goals in the span of about two minutes, which has been huge for our guys’ morale.”

Louisburg will try to add to the win column today as the Wildcats travel to Parsons for a varsity-only match.

Wildcats fall to Ottawa in overtime

Louisburg was hoping to start a winning streak Thursday at home against Ottawa and the Wildcats were well on their way.

The Wildcats controlled almost every aspect of the game against the Cyclones, but they feel short in the most important one — the scoreboard

Ottawa scored a late second half goal to force overtime, and then scored in the extra period to hand Louisburg a 3-2 loss.

“We dominated the game in almost every statistical category except the overall score, unfortunately,” Bovaird said. “The guys battled hard, and we are so proud of how they played with grit and strength. We controlled the majority of the game, outshooting our opponent, 23-10, and holding 33 minutes of possession compared to their 25. We recorded 44 pass strings to their 22 and created 9 shots on target to their 4, demonstrating our ability to build play and maintain offensive pressure.

“However, despite these strong numbers, we struggled to convert our chances into goals, and a few key moments of lost focus cost us the win. It feels pretty bad to lose a game like that, but I think it was a pivotal game for us. We’ll bounce back and keep moving forward.”

Junior Owen Marsh opened the scoring just six minutes into the match on an assist from Colton Blue and the Wildcats had a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Ottawa tied it up midway through the second half, but 10 minutes later, the Wildcats took the lead again when Blue dribbled through the Cyclone defense and took the shot inside the box and found the back of the net.

A few moments later, Ottawa tied it up again and forced overtime. In the extra period, the Cyclone goalie punted the ball to the other end of the field. The ball took a high hop and a Cyclone player took a couple dribbles and put it away for the game-winner.