ADAMS TWP — The recent selection of Cole Ferguson to the All-State Boys Soccer Team was not only a great individual honor, it was a feather in the cap for the Mars soccer program as a whole.

The senior totaled 10 goals and seven assists to help the Planets capture a section title with a 12-0 record, reach the WPIAL Class AA title game and the PIAA quarterfinals. The team finished 19-4-1 overall.

“Having a player recognized like this is definitely something we’re proud of,” said Mars coach Chris Knauff. “It’s really difficult to get a player named all-state from a team that is not successful. So, it does reflect on the team.”

Ferguson admits he was a bit surprised by his selection.

“Before the season, I wanted to be one of the top goal scorers on the team,” he said. “I wanted to make an impact and help my team score as much as possible, but I didn’t expect to get that much recognition. I think about Ryan McKenzie (2010 graduate) being the only other Mars (boys) player to be named all-state and how good he was ... it is a huge honor for me.”

Ferguson is the total package, according to Knauff.

“He’s the hardest worker on the field and is very fast and skillful,” he said. “He played as an attacking midfielder his entire varsity career and this year, he was the engine for our team. He had an outstanding season.”

A broken big toe on his left foot kept Ferguson out of the first half of the state quarterfinal game against South Park.

“It was 0-0 at halftime and Cole came in for the second half,” said Knauff. “We ended up losing 2-0, so the scoreboard didn’t show it, but he elevated the team’s play.”

Ferguson became a starter during his sophomore season and has since seen his game steadily improve. He was voted All-Section as a junior.

“Between training for Cup soccer (Stars United) and high school, my awareness of the game has gotten better and I’ve grown as a player,” he said. “I’ve watched a lot of pro soccer and even that has helped me with my strategy and technique. I’ve learned to be in a position on the field that benefits my team the most.”

Ferguson plans to play soccer in college and has his decision narrowed down to four schools — Westminster, Grove City, Penn State Behrend and John Carroll.

“Right now, I’m just looking at what each school offers,” he said. “I hope to make a decision in the next couple of weeks.”