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STEVE LEERecent success leads to high expectations for the Cobras.
HUDSON - Now this is what Ron Ladimir had in mind when he became Hudson's coach in 1998.
The Cobras are establishing quite a winning tradition, stemming from a school-record 21 wins last season and four consecutive regional appearances.
Hudson won the Sunshine Athletic Conference and Class 2A, District 8 titles last season before playoff wins over Lecanto and Orlando Bishop Moore. That run ended with a loss to St. Augustine Nease in a region final, the first time Hudson advanced that far.
A lineup of 10 returners who are playoff savvy could lead to an elusive state final four berth. For Ladimir, just discussing that prospect places his team in a win-win situation.
"It means you're getting respect from other teams in the state, not just the local area," Ladimir said. "The bar is set high for me and that's just more team goals to get back to where we were last year."
Some local coaches think Hudson is capable of another deep run into the playoffs.
"Ronny's a very good coach." River Ridge coach Steve Doyle said. "He's got the kids disciplined and they play smart."
"Hudson's always a tough game for us," added Ridgewood coach Ed McComiskey, whose team has split with Hudson in each of the past six seasons. "It seems like they'll get us one game, we'll get them one game."
Aside from setting a new standard for victories, Hudson proved it could win the big games last season. The 1-0 overtime thriller against Bishop Moore gave the Cobras something to build on. It also made them a target.
"Everyone's going to be up to beat us," Ladimir said. "Basically, you're not going to sneak up on anybody. They're going to be ready to play and play their best, so you've just got to be ready."
Senior goalkeeper Travis Miller, who made two saves against Bishop Moore, and junior forward Jeremy Enix, who scored on a penalty kick in that contest, are among the key returners. So is David Connors, a senior forward whose 19 goals last season tied Enix for the team lead.
In 2001, Hudson's run to the region semis was spurred by three 20-goal scorers (Robert Pollock, Billy Boyko and Jarle Thy). Though Connors and Enix could reach that level this season, Ladimir cares less about scoring leaders than someone - anyone - coming through with a clutch goal at a crucial time.
"We have other scorers who will step up," said Ladimir, mentioning senior midfielders Will Smith and Tim Cook. "We'll be balanced."
The defense is anchored by junior sweeper Craig Bialkoski and senior stopper Michael Pollock with the Bielski twins, Matt and Michael, providing depth.
The last line of defense is Miller, who played basketball his first two seasons at Hudson. Miller is recovered from a broken collarbone that forced a three-way battle between the pipes last season.
As has been the case since he became coach, Ladimir takes a "defense-first" approach.
"If you don't give up anything, you're not going to lose," Ladimir said. "This is a team game. You can score 100 goals, but if you can't stop the other team ... "
A look at the region playoffs proves that. Hudson allowed one goal in two region wins before giving up three in the final, a 3-1 loss to Nease.