Banner season shows youthful Tigers the way

Central returns just two starters from a team that blazed a trail deep into the Class 3 playoffs.

By Jeremy Joffray ~ Southeast Missourian

Central's boys soccer team faces a tall order this season.

The Tigers experienced their most successful season in the program's history last year. Not only did the Tigers finish with an undefeated regular season at 22-0, Central picked up its first state playoff victory and ultimately finished fourth in Class 3.

This year's squad will have a whole new look to it, though. With the loss of 13 seniors, including nine starters, Central will have to rely on an untested team if it wants to win its fourth straight district title.

Central coach Tom Doyle has told parents and players that last year was definitely Central's best season, but he has already seen good signs heading into this season.

"I also told them this preseason is the best preseason I've had here," Doyle said.

Tony Leuckel and Matt Hellrich will be the only returning starters from a squad that finished 26-2. Leuckel came on strong in the state playoffs in goal.

Despite losing a large senior class, Central will not be devoid of senior leadership. Ryan Ponder is the top returning scorer with seven goals and four assists, and fellow seniors Devon Edmonds, Aaron Hutsell, Seth Gerlach, Jeff Beard and Jackson Bahn all saw playing time last season.

"We still have good speed, good ball skills and a great work ethic," Doyle said. "The one thing we're missing is a proven scorer on the varsity level."

The Tigers will also be counting on contributions from a strong junior varsity squad that went 18-2-2 last season. Eddie Glenn, currently out with an injury, and Lance Altenthal were two JV leaders who will be important to the varsity's success this season.

Doyle said he hopes this senior class will continue to lead the younger players like last year's group did.

"The seniors from last year, they kind of showed them what it takes to win and be successful," he said.

Notre Dame tries to rebound from district final loss

Notre Dame followed its first state soccer title in 2002 with a loss in the district finals last season. The 1-0 loss to St. Pius ended the Bulldogs' five-year reign as district champions and left a bitter taste in their mouths.

"That's always disappointing to end the season early like that," Notre Dame coach Brad Wittenborn said.

This year Notre Dame comes back confident with a lot of varsity experience and a healthy Frankie Ellis up front. Ellis missed much of last season due to a knee injury.

"He's looked very smooth in the field right now," Wittenborn said of his junior forward. "He's going to have a big year for us."

Ellis, along with Jason Delgado, should give Notre Dame a pair of speedy scoring options. Delgado, a junior, is a three-year varsity performer for the Bulldogs.

"I expect a big season from Jason also," Wittenborn said.

Notre Dame has a good mix of juniors and seniors on the roster, with a good mixture of athleticism in the midfield and in the defense. Players back with starting experience include defenders Jacob Dufek, Blake Essner and Clayton LeGrand. Dee Goodin and Chris Meyer return at midfield, and Mark Unterreiner returns at forward.

"I think we have a nice mix of some speed and athleticism, and nice skill players as well," Wittenborn said.

In net, Notre Dame will have Nathan Kolda, last year's JV goalie, as well as senior Bryce Willen, who did not play soccer last season.

jjoffray@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 171

ARES SOCCER GLANCE

Central

Head coach: Tom Doyle

Assistant coach: Josh Crowell

Last season: 26-2, fourth-place in Class 3

Returning starters: Tony Leuckel, sr., gk.; Matt Hellrich, sr., def.

Other top returning players: Ryan Ponder, sr., for.; Devon Edmonds, sr., for.; Aaron Hutsell, sr., mid.; Seth Gerlach, sr., mid.; Jackson Bahn, sr., mid.; Jeff Beard, sr., def.; Lance Altenthal, jr.; Eddie Glenn, jr.; Sam Bornstein, jr., mid.

Top newcomers: Tyson Whiteside, jr., mid.

Jackson

Head coach: Zack Walton

Assistant coach: David Brummel

Last season: 5-15

Returning starters: Derrick Biri, sr.; Tyler Sprandle, sr.; Tyler Beussink, sr.; Chris Bramlett, sr.; Brent Balsman, sr.; Daniel Forester, sr.; Camren Kellor, jr.; Zach Priester, jr.; Chris Kraust, sr.

Other top returning players: Andrew Schlick, sr.; Cory Murphy, sr.; Steven McKinney, jr.

Top newcomers: Chris Shelton, so.; Chris Crossett, so.; Tyler Holmon, so.

Notre Dame

Head coach: Brad Wittenborn

Assistant coach: Jeff Worley

Last season: 13-10-2, lost in district finals

Returning starters: Jacob Dufek, sr., def.; Dee Goodin, sr., mid.; Mark Unterreiner, sr., for.; Chris Meyer, sr., mid; Jason Delgado, jr., def.; Frankie Ellis, jr., for.; Blake Essner, sr., def.; Clayton LeGrand, sr., def.

Other top returning players: Nathan Kolda, jr., gk.; Will Lindman, sr., mid.; Max Poppen, sr., for.; Elliot Vance, sr., mid.; Bryce Willen, sr., gk./mid.

Top newcomers: Andrew Buelow, jr.; Andrew Bertrand, jr., for.; Kirk Boeller, jr., mid.; Tyler LeGrand, jr., mid.; Kyle Schade, jr., def.; Jacob Wengert, jr., def.; Abe Dirnberger, so.; for.