Boys Soccer Outlook

By Times staff
© St. Petersburg Times
published November 24, 2002

ALONSO RAVENS

COACH: Ray DiPompo

LAST YEAR: 6-9-1

RETURNING: Ivan Sarti, senior captain, Chris Sankey, junior, and Ryan Speropoulos, Joey Foxenberger and A.J. Madero, sophomores.

OUTLOOK: The Ravens took some lumps in their first season, but they are back ready to give the lumps this season. Speropoulos scored nine goals as a freshman and Sarti added four as a junior. The side is fast on the wings and tough in back. Not only should they improve, they should be a contender.

COACH SAYS: "They are still young, grew up a lot last season. They earned some respect last year, but they won't be a surprise this season. They are going to have fun this year and will be competitive."

FREEDOM PATRIOTS

COACH: Dennis Derflinger

LAST YEAR: First year

OUTLOOK: Freedom may have a winning season in its first year. Some of the players with previous experience include Joe Phillips, Max Caceres, Richard Yambura, Ben Benson, Josh Root, Aaron Zarzeski, Jordan Schellhase and Josh Westenhouser.

COACH SAYS: "We have a good keeper in Phillips and a lot of enthusiasm from all. We have five juniors, five sophomores and a number of freshmen. We plan to compete."

GAITHER COWBOYS

COACH: Eric Sims

LAST YEAR: 17-6, district and regional runners-up

RETURNING: Josh Smith, James Cobb and Joe Rotolo, seniors, Richard Jackson, a junior, and Chris Swindle, a sophomore.

OUTLOOK: Most of last year's starters have gone on to college, so the Cowboys are very young this year. Several good players waiting on the sideline now have their turn for soccer glory. While they have less skill this year, they still have plenty of speed. Should be back in the state title hunt again.

COACH SAYS: "This is one of the hardest working teams I've had. We have nine freshmen on the team and plenty of speed. I think we will surprise some people this year, especially after losing so many last year."

JEFFERSON DRAGONS

COACH: Sam Sparks

LAST YEAR: 3-9-1

RETURNING: Andres Romero and Joseph Pinzon, seniors, and Garrett Myers, Jose Campo, Fernando Cordova and Chris Gilbert, juniors.

OUTLOOK: The Dragons will be small, but fast and mobile with a strong defense. They have enough veterans back to help motivate the younger players but they are not yet state champion caliber.

COACH SAYS: "I expect this team to work hard and so far they do. The one thing I expect from them is unity and determination. I can't look ahead yet, but I have high hopes for this team though."

LETO FALCONS

COACH: Glen Watson

LAST YEAR: 7-9-3, second in district

RETURNING: Greg Guerrero, Daniel Lopez, Carlos Malpica and Adebisi Owojori, all seniors.

OUTLOOK: The Falcons have four seniors with a taste of playoffs and a hunger for more. They have a tight defense and speed up front, so they should stay with anyone on the field. Could be a great season for Leto.

COACH SAYS: "I expect them to mature by districts and finish strong. We upset the No. 1 seed in district semis last year and I expect them to make it to the finals again this season."

SICKLES GRYPHONS

COACH: Mike Rady

LAST YEAR: 10-5-1

RETURNING: Justin Hampton, senior, and Chaz Jansen, junior.

OUTLOOK: With only two returning starters, reload is the name of the game for the Gryphons this season. They have a lot of freshmen, but many of them have club experience. Also new: The Munday brothers -- Chris, a junior goalie and Ben, a freshman midfielder -- moved in from England and should help right away. The Gryphons could sneak up on some teams.

COACH SAYS: "Because they are all so small they must learn to keep the ball low and on the ground. They are not tall enough to battle for long balls. We will start four or five freshmen, but we have a bright spot in goal with two excellent keepers."

WHARTON WILDCATS

COACH: Mike Rowan

LAST YEAR: 11-5-1

RETURNING: Juan Sarimento, Addy Strasdas, Beau Jean-Charles, seniors.

OUTLOOK: Last year the Wildcats lost to Bloomingdale 2-1 in the district semifinals, falling short of the playoffs. The team is fast on the wings and should score a lot. The back line is forming tight and should help Wharton to be a contender early.

COACH SAYS: "We should win some games this season and hopefully improve last year's record. The guys really want to make the playoffs this year and they have a good chance of doing just that."

Note: Chamberlain High School coach Charles Rocca did not provide information about this year's Chiefs squad.

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