Published: August 06, 2008 10:01 am            

Looking good!

By Andrew Earles For The Times Tribune

After an up-and-down 2007 season that ended in the 31st District finals, North Laurel Jaguars boys soccer team is ready to make another run into the playoffs.

Under first year coach Becky Woodworth, the 2007 season was a bumpy ride for the North Laurel soccer program. Their defense only allowed 29 goals and was tied for second best in Region 16, while the offense scored 30. Ten of those goals came in a 10-0 win over Russell County.

After losing some key defensive players, coach Woodworth is already trying to rebuild her defense.

“We lost three defenders from last year’s team,” Woodworth said. “Our defense is the biggest question mark that we have right now. We are trying to get the younger guys caught up in our scheme.”

Woodworth also thinks she has a couple of players on the offensive side of the ball that will help score more goals for North Laurel this year.

“I think Aaron Beckner and Issac Martinez will step up this year and be crucial to our success,” Woodworth added. “They are two of the players to watch for this season.”

Even though Woodworth has to rebuild most of her defense, the most crucial position in the defense is coming back for one more year of keeping balls out of his net.

“We do have a couple of key returners this season,” she said. “Caleb Mosley is returning for his senior year as goalkeeper. I’m expecting that he will have a great season this year. Cam Huff is returning as well.

“I’m looking at all my seniors to be leaders on the team right now,” she added. “Thomas Kidd is the one that I would expect to lead the team in energy. He always gives 110 percent no matter how the game is going.”

In her second year as coach of the boys soccer program at North Laurel, Woodworth has to handle rebuilding and re-training skilled position players for the first time. She’s excited about the turnout she’s had this year for the team as well.

“We are less experienced than last year’s team,” Woodworth added. “But as far as athletic ability and desire, I think this team is better than last years. We have a big team this year. We have about 30 players that came out this year for the team.”

North Laurel begins its season on Aug. 18 on the road at Southwestern.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.