BOYS SOCCER PREVIEW: Devils expect big improvement in '08
By Steve Franklin
If the Blue Devils are going improve upon their 5-9-2 mark from a season ago, they'll need to get better on both ends of the field.
The Blue Devils struggled both offensively and defensively at times last season, but they expect to improve in both aspects of the game in 2008.
"Our play in back needs to get a lot tighter and we need to find a way to score more goals," CCHS midfielder Bram Sims said. "We've got the ability to be above .500 and get to regionals. Now, we just need to go out and perform. We have the talent."
The Blue Devils return leading scorer Carter Mills who had 17 goals last season, but must find a way to replace Christian Benites a 10-goal scorer a season ago.
Mills will be the leader among forwards once again, and will likely team up with fellow senior Eduar Reyes and sophomore Jimmy Tweedie to form a stellar front line.
"When Carter is in there, teams have to target him," CCHS coach Tim Kearney said. "If we can get guys like Eduar and Jimmy to step up along with Carter, we could create some pretty dangerous situations. We should be able to score."
The Blue Devils strongest group is midfield, where all-district seniors Bram Sims and Kyle Masson lock down the middle. Sims and Masson have excellent ball skills and passing ability which makes them a lethal tandem.
"Having Bram and Kyle in the middle will make us strong," Coach Kearney said. "When those two guys get the ball, they know what to do with it."
Culpeper's defense will be led by junior Matt Willet, who started all 16 games for the Blue Devils last season.
We've got strong players all over the field," Coach Kearney said. "With Carter up top, Bram and Kyle in the middle, and Matt on defense, we've got talent."
One question mark will be goaltender. The Devils will turn to Adam Mitchell to replace Gabe Werner. And CCHS players believe, he'll do just fine.
"Adam's a pretty good goalie," Mills said. "He just needs time in goal. Once he learns the position, he'll do just fine."
Another concern for Culpeper could be depth. The Blue Devils only have nine or 10 guys with playing experience.
"I think we're pretty strong in our top-11," Coach Kearney said. "Some of the younger guys will need to step up to fill reserve roles."
While a district title may be a stretch for the Blue Devils, the expectations are certainly high.
"We definitely have high expectations this season," Sims said. "We want to make it at least to the district finals."