On Wednesday, the Perry County Central Commodores and the Hazard Bulldogs met on Hazard’s refurbished field for the Black Gold Cup. It was the first meeting between the two in soccer in many years.

The Commodores controlled the ball and the tempo in the early going, and eventually picked up the first goal. Justin Lunsford took the ball from a double-assist by Michael Valencia and Jacob Watts to the net for the 1-0 lead.

Perry Central continued to keep the ball on their side of the field for the remainder of the first half, but could manage but one more goal. Justin Lunsford picked up the Commodores’ second goal on a penalty kick late, sending Perry Central into the break with a 2-0 lead.

The momentum, and the ball, continued on the Commodores’ side in the second half. Perry Central’s Jacob Watts completed the hat-trick with three goals in the frame. The first goal was assisted by Michael Valencia, while the other two were solo goals.

Late in the game, Hazard was able to get off a couple of shots on goal, but came up empty on the tries. Perry Central went on to win the game by the final score of 5-0.

Perry Central stats

Justin Lunsford 2 goals, Jacob Watts 3 goals and 1 assist, and Michael Valencia 2 assists.

Hazard stats

Jody Grigsby 15 saves.