Area Boys Soccer Capsules

By Jamie Baker
We don't usually put the stories we do on the Saturday Prep Extra Page on the Internet. So I figured this would be as good a place as any to put up the soccer capsules we put together.
Boys today and girls tomorrow.
Here ya go!

It’s usually the top four and then everyone else in the North Central Ohio Soccer Association.
And that’s the way it will be again in 2007.
Riverdale, Cory-Rawson and Ada all have a strong nucleus of players returning and Van Buren is also always a dangerous team as the Black Knights were coming off a rebuilding campaign in 2006.
The Falcons are coming off a 10-3-5 season that included a perfect 7-0 slate in the NCOSA last year. Riverdale lost some solid players but have a good group returning including first team all-conference performer Andrew Gil as a defender and goalkeeper Ben Thomas who recorded seven shut outs in 2006.
The Hornets may just be the favorite in the NCOSA this season with a deep and talented returning senior class.
Jordan Herrera, a first team all-NCOSA and all-district selection, and Levi Benner should give Cory-Rawson plenty of scoring punch on the pitch. Herrera tallied 20 goals and added 8 assists while Benner chipped in 10 goals with 9 assists.
Ada coach Marty Clum has 34 players on his roster this season and 13 lettermen back from last year’s rebuilding club that posted a 12-4-2 mark. Van Buren, meanwhile has 10 lettermen back for veteran coach Tom Swaisgood as the Black Knights try and rebound from a disappointing 4-12 record in 2006.
Two other area boys teams, Ottawa-Glandorf and Liberty-Benton, should also be primed for solid seasons.
The Eagles will be out to defend their championship in the Midland Suburban Soccer League this fall.
Liberty-Benton has 40 players on the roster this season including 15 seniors. Travis Walker is the top returnee for the Eagles after being selected as the MSSL Player of the Year in 2006. Another senior, forward Daniel Giangiordano, was a first team all-conference honoree and should bolster the Eagles’ offense.
Ottawa-Glandorf coach Mike Weihrauch will enter his 11th season as head coach this fall with 11 returning letter winners The goal for the Titans is to go one step further in the OHSAA post season tournament this fall after dropping a heartbreaking 2-1 decision to Kidron Central Christian in the Division III regional semifinals at Lexington.

Ada
HEAD COACH: Marty Clum (2nd year, 12-4-2).
2007 RECORD:12-4-2 overall, 5-2 North Central Ohio Soccer Association .
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Kyle Elliott (sr.) midfielder; Kyle Hibbard (sr.) defender; Jake Howard (sr.) defender; Trevor Kline (sr.) defender; Michael Reese (sr.) midfielder; Jake Adams (jr.) midfielder; Danny Clum (jr.) forward; Joey DeLuca (jr.) defender; Jerrald Howard (jr.) defender; Myles Johnson (jr.) midfielder; Zac Torres (jr.) defendefr; Robby Weyer (soph.) goalkeeper; Max Yankee (soph.) midfielder.
TOP PROSPECTS: Corey Vaughn (fr.) forward; Trevor Rudisill (fr.) midfielder; Chris Hartford (fr.) midfielder; Austin Everhart (fr.) midfielder; Channing Watson (soph.) midfielder; Eric Grimslid (soph.) midfielder; Jay Fassett (jr.) midfielder; Josh Smith (jr.) midfielder; Joey Martinez (sr.) utility.
NOTABLE: It was a rebuilding year for the Bulldogs last season but Clum expects his team to be right in the thick of the NCOSA race this season with Cory-Rawson and Riverdale.

Bluffton
HEAD COACH: Dave Fett (9th year, 86-44-22).
2007 RECORD: 13-4-2 overall.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Jaden August (soph.) forward; Aaron Shelly (jr.) midfielder; Kevin Romey (jr.) midfielder; Kyle Begg (jr.) defender; Alex Wentz (jr.) defender; John Harder (sr.) defender; Jonathon Beniface (sr.) midfield/forward; Evan McCarthy (sr.) midfielder/defender.
TOP PROSPECTS: Levi Fredritz (sr.) forward; Morgan Renner (jr.) defender; Fred Freeman (soph.) goalkeeper.
NOTABLE: The Pirates will be young this season with just three returning senior letterwinners on the roster this fall.

Continental
HEAD COACH: Steve Deken (8th year, 65-41-16).
2007 RECORD: 9-5-4 overall, 2-2-1 Putnam County League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Tanner Basinger (sr.) midfielder; Jordan Kimmel (sr.) defender; Austin Varner (sr.) forward; Kyle Mansfield (sr.) defender; Patrick Llewellyn (sr.); Gene Swager (jr.) defender; Dustin Geckle (jr.) forward; Damon Schmidt (soph.) midfielder; Brett Carder (jr.) midfielder.
TOP PROSPECTS: Nick Bidlack (sr.) midfielder; J.D. Morrison (jr.); midfielder; Sam Jones (jr.) Midfielder; Chris Baden (soph.) midfielder; Ben Schwarzman (soph.) defender; Scott Deken (fr.) goalkeeper; Dylan Geckle (fr.) forward; Jacob Fry (fr.) midfielder.
NOTABLE: Gene Swager was an honorable mention all-Putnam County League and all-district selection last season for the Pirates.

Cory-Rawson
HEAD COACH: David Samsel (2nd year, 9-6-3).
2007 RECORD: 9-6-3 overall, 5-2 North Central Ohio Soccer Association.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Jordan Herrera (sr.) midfielder; Levi Benner (sr.) forward/midfielder; Ryan Falk (sr.) forward; Josh Karn (sr.) midfielder; Sean Sewell (jr.); Mitchell Ice (jr.); Miles Von Stein (sr.) midfielder/forward; Clint Feister (sr.) defender; Lauren Mattice (soph.) midfielder/forward; Logan Verhoff (sr.) goalkeeper; Jared Moor (sr.) defender; Shane Bugner (sr.) defender; Caleb Parke (jr.) defender; John Snodgrass (jr.) defender; Corey Green (soph.) midfielder/defender.
TOP PROSPECTS: Chance Stoodt (soph.) defender; Steven Garver (soph.) goalkeeper/forward; Eric Rosendale (soph.) defender; Clint Walker (soph.) midfielder/defender; Robert Bolwerk (fr.) midfielder/defender.
NOTABLE: Jordan Herrera was a first team all-NCOSA and all-district selection last season after leading the Hornets with 20 goals and 8 assists from the midfield position.

Heritage Christian
HEAD COACH: Tim England (12th year).
2007 RECORD: 8-4-0.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Jeremy Butcher (sr.) sweeper; Aaron Berry (sr.) midfielder; Joseph Dickson (sr.) fullback; Cody Mullahy (jr.) goalie; Seth Butcher, (soph.) striker; Cameron Smith (soph.) halfback
TOP PROSPECTS: Luke Risner (fr.) halfback; Dillon England (8th) halfback; Michael Neal (8th) fullback.
NOTABLE: Mullahy is stepping into some big shoes in replacing Paul Kalmbach in goal. Kalmbach was a four-year starter for the Minutemen. Coach England said offensive production was a concern, but he’s been pleased with the team’s production in pre-season play.

Kalida
HEAD COACH: Mark Czubik (19th year, 226-55-33).
2007 RECORD: 7-5-4 overall, 2-1-2 Putnam County League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Adam Berheide ( sr.), goalie; Adam Unverferth (sr.), midfielder/defense; Bryant Warnecke (sr.), forward/midfielder; Andy Wehri (sr.), defense; Jason Horstman (jr.), forward/midfielder; Justin Kahle (jr.), midfielder; Ryan Kleman (jr.), midfielder/defense; Doug McIntyre (jr.), forward/midfielder; Ryan Richey (jr.), midfielder/defense; Scott Schnipke (jr.), defense; Jordan Basinger (soph.), forward/midfielder; Brant Kahle (soph.), midfielder.
TOP PROSPECTS: Rob Gerding (sr.) midfielder/defender; Kyle Kahle (jr.) midfielder/defender; Matt Schnipke (jr.) defender; Nate Edwards (soph.) midfielder; Ryan Unverferth (soph.) defender; Brandon Kahle (fr.) forward/midfielder; Jeremy Kahle (fr.) forward/midfielder; Derek Korte (fr.) midfielder/defender.
NOTABLE: Kleman was the PCL co-Player of the Yearlast season while scoring six goals and dishing out three assists. Berheide, meanwhile, a second team all-PCL pick as a defender, will be the Wildcats’ starting goalkeeper in 2007.

Liberty-Benton
HEAD COACH: Drew Aukerman (3rd year, 22-7-4).
2007 RECORD: 11-2-3 overall, 6-0 Midland Suburban Soccer League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Brandon Anspach (sr.) defender/midfielder; Bill Cody (sr.) goalkeeper; Daniel Giangiordano (sr.) forward/midfielder; Tyler Hitchings (sr.) forward/midfielder; Derek Johnson (sr.) defender; Nick Koenig (sr.) defender/midfielder; Ryan Mitchell (jr.) midfielder/defender; Zach Morgan (jr.) midfielder/defender; Michael Packey (sr.) forward/midfielder; Nathan Strausbaugh (sr.) defender; Austin Walker (sr.) defender; Ryan Whitaker (jr.) midfielder; Brenton Windle (soph.) forward/defender.
TOP PROSPECTS: Andrew Thieman (sr.) forward/midfielder; Jeff Miller (sr.) defender; Austin Hissong (sr.) midfielder/defender; Corey England (sr.) defender/midfielder; A.J. Eaves (sr.) defender/midfielder.
NOTABLE: Look for the Eagles to be the team to beat again in the MSSL this season. The league’s top player in 2006, L-B senior Travis Walker, should lead the charge for the Eagles.

Old Fort
HEAD COACH: Don Young (1st year).
2007 RECORD: 0-14-1 .
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Alyssa Lucius (sr.) midfielder; Justin Gregg (sr.) goalie/forward; Dean Stacy (sr.) sweeper/midfielder; Bracy McCool (sr.) defender; Steven Huber (sr.) defender/midfielder; Adam Lee (jr.) forward; Ethan Barker (jr.) forward/midfielder; Cayla Bridges (jr.) defender; Eric Terry (jr.) defender; Spencer Schlepp (jr.) goalie/forward; Derek Henry (jr.) forward; Steve Balliett (soph.) forward; Justin Neisler (soph.) midfielder/defender
TOP PROSPECTS: Travis Frank, (jr.) midfiedler; Hyoti-Kim (sr.) forward/midfielder; Conner Kohlenberg (fr.) sweeper; Zach Murphy (fr.) defender.
NOTABLE: Thirteen returning lettermen will give the Raiders a strong nucleus of experienced players. The team’s strength this year, though, is stability. In 2006, a head coach wasn’t named until a week before the season started. There was no training camp and little time for developing strategies or team unity before jumping right into the season. Young has been coaching at various levels of Lakota soccer for eight years has the team much better prepared in 2007.

Ottawa-Glandorf
HEAD COACH: Mike Weihrauch (11th year, 133-37-26).
2007 RECORD: 13-6-1 overall, 5-4 Western Buckeye League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Aaron Leader (sr.) goalkeeper; Tyler Leatherman (sr.) stopper; Brock Schroeder (sr.) midfielder; A.J. Lammers (sr.) goalkeeper; Troy Schroeder (sr.) defender; Eric Brickner (jr.) foward; Jeremy Duling (jr.) forward; Justin Duling (jr.) midfielder; Kyle Rosebrock (jr.) defender; Chace Keiser (jr.) midfielder; Mark Cannon (jr.) midfielder.
TOP PROSPECTS: Jordan Alt (soph.) forward; Brad Durilat (jr.) defender; Corey Myers (soph.) defender; Steven Dickman (jr.) midfielder; Matt Cheeseman (jr.) midfielder; Devin Doud (jr.) defenders; Jordan Schimmoeller (jr.) forward; Brent Vorst (jr.) goalkeeper.
NOTABLE: The Titans were the top area boys team last season earning a spot in the Division III regional tournament.

Ottoville
HEAD COACH: Eric Gerker (1st year).
2007 RECORD: 13-3-1 overall, 2-2-1 Putnam County League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Brian Kroeger (sr.) forward; Colbey Basinger (sr.) midfielder; Erik Gudakunst (sr.) midfielder/forward; Phil Sargent (sr.) defender/sweeper; Derek Miller (jr.) midfielder/forward; Matt Niemeyer (jr.) defender/sweeper; Colin Rue (jr.) defender.
TOP PROSPECTS: Andrew Koch (jr.) forward; Jacob Landin (jr.) midfielder; Brandon Gable (jr.) defender; Brad Turnwald (jr.) defender; Kurt Beining (jr.) midfielder; Garrett Rayman (jr.) goalkeeper; Nate Turnwald (fr.) midfielder/forward; Logan Kaverman (fr.) midfielder/forward; Matt Honigford (fr.) forward; Scottie Pohlman (fr.) defender/sweeper.
NOTABLE: Brian Kroeger will be the top offensive attacker for the Big Green in 2007. He netted 16 goals for Ottoville as a junior.

Pandora-Gilboa
HEAD COACH: Jared Byers (2nd year, 6-8-4).
2007 RECORD: 6-8-4 overall, 2-3-1 Putnam County League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Jayma George (jr.), defense; Dean Hovest (sr.), goalie; Nicky Hovest (sr.), midfielder/forward; Matt Kahle (sr.), defense; Tyler Latham (sr.), midfielder; Justin Maag (sr.), defense, midfielder/forward; Derek Niese (sr.), defense; Blake Rhoad (sr.), forward; Andy Schaublin (sr.), 5-10, midfielder/forward; Kevin Williams (sr.), midfielder.
TOP PROSPECTS: Ross Hovest (fr.); Matt Kohli (soph.); Dustin Lovell (jr.); Zach Niese (soph.); Jonna Suter (sr.); Samuel Tijerina (soph.); Michael Kahle (fr.); Ely Verhoff (soph.)
NOTABLE: Dean Hovest is back at goalkeeper and that should mean more success for the Rockets in 2007. Last season he recorded 101 saves, 2 shutouts.

Riverdale
HEAD COACH: Jon Hayfield (7th year, 52-38-9).
2007 RECORD: 10-3-5 overall, 7-0 North Central Ohio Soccer Association.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Alex Gil (sr.), defense; Bryan Shuck (sr.), midfielder; Ben Thomas (sr.), goalie; Andrew Gil (jr.), midfielder; Lucas Keller (jr.), defense; Jared Van Atta (jr.), midfielder; TJ Vogel (jr.), defense; Jacob Keller (soph.), forward.
NOTABLE: The Falcons should record their 100th win during the 2007 season.

Upper Sandusky
HEAD COACH: Keith Miller (4th year).
2007 RECORD: 5-10 overall, 1-5 North Central Ohio Soccer Association.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Kenny Edler (sr.), forward; Travis Elkins (sr.), forward; Christian Espinoza (jr.), midfielder; Daniel Hildebrand (soph.), midfielder/goalieDevin Riedlinger (jr.), defense; John Searfoss (sr.), defense; Matt Smiley (sr.), defense.
NOTABLE: The Rams will be fielding both a varsity and a junior varsity team this season.

Van Buren
HEAD COACH: Tom Swaisgood (12th year, 104-45-12)
2007 RECORD: 4-12 overall, 4-3 North Central Ohio Soccer Association.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: John Flanagan (sr.), midfielder; Jesse Sleasman (sr.), midfielder; Spencer Smith (sr.), midfielder; Dwight Baker, (jr.), forward; Matt May (jr.), back; Jacob Sublett (jr.), midfielder; Brandon Cooley (soph.) goalkeeper; Dillon Flick (soph.), midfielder; Justin Merrick (soph.) midfielder; Jason Tropf (soph.) midfielder.
TOP PROSPECTS: Josh Ayers (sr.); Tyler Adams (sr.); Jake Cleveland (sr.); Bendon Baker (jr.); Anthony Grine (jr.); Michael Flanagan (soph.); Josh Hart (soph.); Alan Molyet (soph.); Nathan Murphy (soph.); Zach Potteiger (soph.); Nick Rafferty (soph.); Matt Early (fr.); Matt Lee (fr.); Logan Roberts (fr.); Andrew Shroll (fr.).
NOTABLE: Jesse Sleasman is a returning all-league player for the Black Knights. Van Buren, which averaged almost 10 wins a season over the past decade, will be looking to rebound from what was the Knights a down year.