The St. Aloysius boys’ soccer team was noticeably sluggish Thursday while playing its first game in exactly a month. Once the cobwebs were finally shaken off, however, it seemed they hadn’t missed a beat.

Connor Bottin scored three of the Flashes’ four goals in the second half as they routed Cathedral 4-0. Ryan Theriot scored the other goal on a penalty kick, Gradon Bourne had two assists and Kieran Theriot had one assist.

“We controlled most of the game, but lack of hustle in the first half was the difference of the game. Getting back in the swing of things from their break and lack of practice really showed tonight,” said St. Al coach Scott Mathis, whose team hadn’t played since Dec. 12.

The game was scoreless at halftime. Bottin finally broke the ice with a goal in the 55th minute. The Flashes also scored in the 65th, 70th and 86th minutes to pull away.

“That’s what it’s about, how well you can finish,” Mathis said. “The entire team stepped it up in the second half. We really got under Cathedral’s skin. They started getting mad and then we made them pay.”

With their traditional rival out of the way, the Flashes (8-2) will now turn their attention to their most relevant one. Their next game is Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Central Hinds, the three-time defending MAIS Class AAA champion. Central Hinds has won more than 50 consecutive games.

St. Al and Central Hinds will play again in Vicksburg on Jan. 30.

St. Al has had a good season so far, with its only losses to Class AAAA teams Madison-Ridgeland Academy and Jackson Academy. It’ll have to go through another opponent just as good and dethrone mighty Central Hinds to win the District 3-AAA championship, however.

“They haven’t lost in three years, or something like that? It’s going to be a good game for sure,” Mathis said. “I’m proud of this team’s accomplishments and look forward to closing out this season strong.”