Coming off of a district final loss to finish the 2014-2015 season, the boys varsity soccer team returns with three seniors as well as a supporting cast of underclassmen. Going into the season, their goals are to improve their 7-9 record from a year ago and make it to the state tournament.

Captain senior Joe Fehr has high expectations for the team this year and looks to lead by ensuring that they stay in line and focused throughout the whole season.

“I’m going to be making sure the team is playing up to what I know they can play,” Fehr said. “I will be encouraging, talking and instructing the players during our games and practices.”

Coach John Brian also has high expectations for his team this year. He sent his captains to leadership programs and made sure that they understood their role for the team.

The boys’ two weeks of practicing have been leading up to their first game against Skutt this Saturday.

“We have been working on moving the ball quickly because we have a small squad,” Brian said. “We are making sure we don’t get caught on possession and cleaning up our first touch so we can move [the ball] faster.”

Both Brian and the team’s goal are to make it to state, or better yet, win state.

The boys have changed their formation to a 4-1-4-1 this year and have seen a big change in their attitude and willingness to keep working hard during practices. Having a smaller team than years past, the team is entering the season focusing on every game and working with the players they have.

“Last year we looked over some easy games and this year we will not fall into that trap again,” Fehr said. “This year the guys are really working hard in order to accomplish our goals, one game at a time.”

The boys’ first game is away versus the Skutt Skyhawks Saturday, March 19, at 11 a.m.