Tough section tempers county teams

By MIKE KILROY Eagle Staff Writer

August 28, 2008 Last Updated: August 28, 2008 03:21 PM High School

Over the last two seasons, the Freeport boys soccer team posted a 26-11 record.

What the Yellowjackets have gotten for that kind of success is zero playoff appearances.

Chalk it up to WPIAL Class AA Section 2, one of the toughest around.

"It's kind of disheartening to do that well and miss the playoffs both years," said Freeport coach Chris McGrady. "But our guys recognize we are in a tough section each year. We've just not been able to take that next step."

Mars emerged from the section last season, lost in the WPIAL semifinals, but tore its way through the PIAA playoffs for a date in the state championship game against Palmyra.

The Planets lost, but it spoke volumes about the strength of soccer inSection 2.

"I think that's a good thing," said Mars coach Chris Knauff. "I think playing in that kind of section gets us prepared for the playoffs."

The section will be strong again.

Mars is poised to make another deep playoff run.Knoch, which managed to tie the Planets last season, is trying to make the postseason for the fifth year in a row.

"We are kind of on a roll right now with the program," said Wood, who is beginning his third season.

The toughest opponent Mars may face this season is expectations. The Planets must guard against complacency.

"We just have to focus on every game," Knauff said.

Following is a team-by-team breakdown of Butler County boys soccer teams this season:

• Coach: Troy Mohney, third year• Last year: 15-4-1• On the attack: Jake Gamble (senior), Matt Slemecka (junior), Nate McCandless (senior)• On the defensive: Drew Donoghue (senior), Blake McChesney (senior)• In the net: AaronVoelker (sophomore), Alex Hill (junior)• Outlook: The Golden Tornado return their offensive and defensive MVPsfrom a season ago, despite losing eight starters."We still have a lot to build on," Mohney said. "I think we'll still be very competitive."

• Coach: George Williams, 14th year• Last year: 7-11• On the attack: Conor Bazeveo (senior), Kevin Andreone (senior)• On the defensive: Tyler Lunevich (senior), Tyler Izenas (junior)• In the net: Justin McAtee (junior)• Outlook: The Raiders are aware of how deep and competitive their section is. But Williams believes the talent is in place to compete for a playoff spot."I think we will have a good season in the face of a very competitive section," Williams said. "We have a lot of talent."

• Coach: Chris Knauff, second year• Last year: 21-4-1, state finalist• On the attack: Ryan McKenzie (junior), Dillon McNany (junior), Andy Knauff (senior)• On the defensive: Jack Leslie (junior)• In the net: Joe Haefner (senior)• Outlook: The Planets made a major run through the PIAA playoffs last season before losing the state championship game to Palmyra 2-0.That's a tough act to follow."We have to stay focused and not look too far ahead," Knauff said.

• Coach: Doug Wood, third year• Last year: 14-4-4• On the attack: Adam Sharbaugh (senior), Travis Tasker (senior), KevinWood (junior), Chris Felock (senior)• On the defensive: Jordan Kennedy (senior), Michael Hook (senior), Chris Ludwiczak (junior)• In the net: Cullen Hinderliter (junior), Naru Pfeffer (senior)• Outlook: The Knights survived one of the toughest sections around and advanced to the WPIAL quarterfinals last season before bowing out of the playoff party.This year, Knoch is looking to stick around a little longer."Our goal is to make the playoffs and then the playoffs will take care of themselves," Wood said.

• Coach: Chris McGrady, 14th year• Last year: 12-6• On the attack: John Bercik (senior), Ryan Scheestal (senior)• On the defensive: Adam Bombalski (senior), Andrew Doerfler (senior)• In the net: Nick Gentile (junior)• Outlook: The Yellowjackets just missed the playoff again last season, but they feel this could be the breakthrough year."We are ready to take that next step," McGrady said.

• Coach: Roy Parker, ninth year• Last year: 23-2, District 9 champion• On the attack: AaronMcGarvey (senior), Nick LoPresti (junior)• On the defensive: EthanMcGarvey (sophomore)• In the net: Josh Grenninger (senior), Timmy Johnston (junior)• Outlook: The Gremlins graduated their entire defense last season, but return two solid goalkeepers and some serious offensive firepower."I think we're going to be in pretty good shape," Parker said. "People think we aren't going to play any defense, but I think we will surprise them. Everyone is gunning for us."

• Coach: Anthony Buzard, fifth year• Last year: 18-2-1• On the attack: Mike Ramirez (senior), Ryan Wyatt (junior)• On the defensive: Brant Sloan (senior), Ty Mohler (senior), Willie Cassidy (senior)• In the net: Mike Flecker (junior), Tyler Little (sophomore)• Outlook: This could be the best all-around Rockets' team since 2004.And that's saying something."I think we can play for a district championship this season," Buzard said.