One word kept coming up from Dixie Heights head coach Trey Crone after the match: fight.
Playing without two key contributors — one sidelined for the entire game and another lost after 60 minutes — Dixie still found a way to win a battle over St. Henry, 1-1 (5-4 in penalty kicks), that stretched beyond regulation, extra time, and even the initial round of penalty kicks at Gumz Family Field in Erlanger.
The victory marked the Colonels’ eighth consecutive district title, but this one stood out for how they responded to the challenge. A red card and a previous injury to senior captain Trevor Bolte, who had six goals and eight assists this season, left Dixie shorthanded.
“They showed heart,” said Crone. “They battled through adversity, and it showed a lot about this team. It shows that if something like this happens in the region tournament, we can step up again.”
Both regulation goals came within two minutes of each other — in the 24th and 26th minutes. Aiden Legg put Dixie on the board with a header, and Logan Thoss quickly equalized for St. Henry with a penalty kick.
After 80 minutes of regulation and two overtime periods, the score remained tied at one. In penalty kicks, the teams went to sudden death before Aiden Susner came up with a crucial save, and Legg buried the clinching kick.
Susner earned MVP honors, while Legg and Luke McElheney joined him on the All-Tournament Team. Kayden Durrett and Logan Thoss represented St. Henry, and Ivan Potapenko was recognized from Villa Madonna.
The Colonels (15-2) will take on one of the other district runner-ups — the loser of Conner/Cooper, Covington Catholic/Beechwood, or Newport Central Catholic. The Crusaders (13-6-2) will face one of the three district champions: Conner/Cooper winner, Covington Catholic/Beechwood winner, or Highlands.
More photos below, provided by Charles Bolton:
