Boys soccer kicks it off

What this upcoming season holds for the boys

Photo courtesy of Luke Boyce

Photo courtesy of Luke Boyce

The Battlefield boys soccer team is coached by Mr. Nemerow, Mr. Dolph, Mr. Slaiby, Mr. Merkel and Mr. Mateer. Tryouts begin February 20, and will continue through until the 23rd. Making it all the way to states, the boys had an overall record of 13-6-3 last year. They came out on top with 8-3-3 in the regular season, 1-1 in district, 3-1 at regionials, and 1-1 at states. Varsity player Tyler Schoettle states “We felt really rewarded for all of the hard work and effort we put in for getting that far. The team got closer and closer each practice and game which made us work better together. The whole season was really tense, and although we came up short, we learned a lot and it brought us together as a team.” Last year, the boys team captain was graduated senior Mike Daunt.

 

Varsity player, Luke Boyce states, “Opare Asihene and I are the two potential captains for this upcoming season. If I were nominated team captain I would bring a high level of intensity to practices and games, as well as communication. Whether it be telling a player what options he has or what he can do differently, and most importantly, encouraging the team when we are down.”

The boys play their first scrimmage game against South Lakes on February 28, at Battlefield, followed by another scrimmage game held on March 8, away against Briar Woods. There first home game is March 12 against Hylton which gives the boys a small window to prepare. Returning Varsity center-mid player Opare Asihene says, “To prepare before the game we listen to music, try to relax, and most importantly stretch.” Battlefields biggest rivalry being Patriot High School. We asked Opare Asihene what game he was most nervous for. Opare says; “I’m not nervous for any game, we can beat anyone that comes our way.”

Varsity player, Darrell Riddle states, “I’m not really nervous for any games, but I am excited to play Langley because we got beaten in the state finals last year by them so we are coming for revenge.”

Coach Nemerow will be returning for his seventh season as varsity head coach for battlefield this year. Nemerow states, “My biggest expectation for the boys is that they have to want to be apart of something bigger than themselves. We preach teamwork and unity.” He also states that the goal for this year is to, “reflect on the previous season, or to at least match if not eclipse that. And to get back into regionals, make some noise and get back to that state tournament.