PreSeason Take

 

Amid COVID 19, I wasn't sure I would get to write our preseason look-ahead. But somehow we are opening in less than a week with back-to-back games. In this crazy environment of uncertainty, I was pleasantly surprised by the boys' choice of themes. It just makes sense.

They know they have to be business-like in their approach to this season: wear masks (a lot), bring their own water bottles, resisting the urge to drink from that long hose at midfield, social distance, have their own pennies, and bring their own ball. 

This summer, while most area teams were shut down, we won the Great Plains League, captured a first and a third in the two Brian White Classics, and put in a robust week of camp. So we did go to work.

We have a lot to play for as we bring a great deal back from a team that lost a state title in a PK Shootout against Blue Valley Southwest, the defending state champs.

Returning center midfielder, Barrett Kitts, recently explained the offense's 2-0 scrimmage loss to the defense with his shoutout to the "best defense in the state." And that's probably where we should start discussing this team—with the defense.

It starts in the net with two phenomenal goalies—starter Carter Diggs and his back-up sophomore, Andrew Seger. Both read the field so well, stop shots, and distribute to our guys at a phenomenal completion rate. They are replacing All-Midwest Region Keeper, Shae Wirt, who did not give up even a goal in the EKL. 

Our back four will rival any lineup in the area. It begins with two-time EKL Defender of the Year, Mitchell Farrar at centerback (He is a preseason All America and one of the Topeka Capital Journal's Top 11). We partner him up with one of our stars of the preseason, junior returning letter winner, Jacob Muckerman. We should also see a lot of senior Nick Garcia as we will move Farrar up to the "6" frequently.

Our wingbacks can not only defend, but also they can fly forward to help in the attack. We return EKL-recognized seniors, left-back, Max Bryson, and right back, Zayveon Russell. And we have sophomore Gabe Garcia, who can play either spot as well.

Our 3-center midfield system features a veteran group that moves the ball well with some flair. Senior, returning first-team All-EKL, Drew Welch, plays the "6." Junior Luke Konnesky plays the 8, and he partners so well with returning EKL-recognized sophomore, Barrett Kitts. Luke is replacing first-team EKL Jack Martin in that triangle.

And those guys will find support from juniors Joey Vance and Mark Mason. 

Up top, we expect to create some opportunities to score this season. We sport some speed wide in seniors DJ White (ALL EKL), Caden Eames, Arquez Morrisette, and Ryan Pope. 4 outstanding seniors. We are definitely open for business on our wings. And we have two more seniors overlapping them.

We are young (pun intended), but talented, at the "9." And neither of them looks like All American Parker Stoecklein, who played more of a post-up 9. Parker did score 19 goals. Sophomores Ethan Young and Andrew Consuegra will handle the point. Both can create some highlight-reel footage.

The Pandemic has wreaked havoc with our schedule. We may play two matches a week but without any tournaments.  We still do get to play the 810 showcase against Lee's Summit, who will be a Top 10 team in the United States.

But we won't be going to Iowa or Blue Springs for those high-level tourneys. We will still see the tough EKL, Guadelupe Center (defending Missouri state champs) Rockhurst, and Lee's Summit West. That's quite a to-do list.

We have stayed consistent in the coaching ranks with my return for my 33rd year, Coach Hammons for his 26th year, Brian White for his 17th year, Juan Luengo for his 4th year--those are the varsity assistants. Coach Ragsdale will continue to lead the JV. And Coach Eric Ewing will handle the C-team by himself.

So we have our product ready to hit the market this Thursday. We only hope we can continue to show our wares through the first week in November when we hope to find ourselves visiting Spring Hill looking to do some business with the rest of the state.