Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
The Prattville Lions soccer team competed in the largest classification in the state against many of the best teams from Class 7A. According to Max Preps, the Lions finished 12-9-4. The tied regular season games against #8 Hoover and eventual state champ #1 Auburn. They played two area games against #6 Thompson. They also played a regular season game and a playoff game against #4 Vestavia. Junior Austin Ledkins led the Lions with 18 goals and 7 assists in 25 games. He was named the Most Valuable Player for the Lions at their annual season sending banquet. Based on the successful season, the Elmore Autauga News has named Ledkins as the Autauga County Soccer Player of the Year.
“It is an honor to be named Autauga County Soccer Player of the Year,” said Ledkins. “I am very thankful for this accomplishment. I would like to thank God for everything He has done for me, and I would like to thank my family for supporting me throughout my career and I am very thankful to earn this award.”
The Lions competed in several ultra-competitive tournaments this season. They began the year winning two games and tying a third game in the Lakeshore Classic in Birmingham. The Lions then participated in the Capital of Dreams Tournament in Montgomery and faced Homewood, Pike Road, and Helena, three Class 6A teams that each won their area championships. In their final tournament, the Lions played in the Southern Coast Cup in Foley, where they won three games in three days against out of state competition, only allowing one goal. Ledkins cited this tournament as one of the top moments from the season.
“My favorite team moment this season was definitely winning the Southern Coast Cup down in Foley. It was a lot of fun and the team played very well in that tournament.”
The Lions qualified for the Class 7A playoffs after area victories over Tuscaloosa County and Hillcrest Tuscaloosa. They were matched up against Vestavia Hills in the playoffs, who was ranked #2 prior to post-season play. The contest ended in a draw and was decided by penalty kicks. Ledkins converted a crucial penalty kick that kept the Lions in the game. Although they eventually fell in the match, Ledkins cited that moment as one of his favorite individual moments of the season.
Ledkins recognizes the factors and preparation that led to his successful season.
“Putting in the time and effort for soccer day in and day out and having the love and passion for the game,” Ledkins said. “Putting in the hard work when no one is looking and just having fun doing what I love most, and that’s playing soccer.”
Ledkins will have one more season at Prattville and he has already set his goals on leading the Lions to a deep playoff run.
“My goal for the offseason is to get better at everything I do and being the best I can be, preparing for the next season and working with my teammates to be really good for this upcoming season. This past season isn’t how me or my teammates wanted it to end, and we hope to accomplish something great by winning a state championship next season,” said Ledkins.
