The Bradford High boys’ soccer team isn’t rebuilding, just reloading.
Despite the loss of a decorated senior class, the Owls appear primed for more success in 2014, and who could argue?
They have won back-to-back District 9 Class AA championships and captured the District 10 Region 4 title in 2013.
Coach Wes Lohrman embarks on his 10th season at the helm of the Owls with excitement and enthusiasm.
“I was a little nervous going into the season because of what we graduated last year,” he said. “Pat (Conneely, assistant coach) and I altered our formation a little bit in the offseason and moved some things around and it’s really fit the abilities of our team. What we’re able to do has allowed younger guys to step up. This is one of those years where we’re going to have a lot of younger players play.”
Those younger players will mix in with a core group of returning captains — Sawyer Packard, John Obermeyer, Brandon Hart and Ben Jordan to lead Bradford in 2014.
“We no longer are a rebuilding program because we have no need to rebuild,” Lohrman said. “This year we return an extremely strong core of players with Ben Jordan, John Obermeyer and Sawyer Packard anchoring our middle. We have a lot of experience in that part of the field that will allow us to both defend and attack. They’ve played in a lot of high level games as far as district championships and playoffs. All three were named captains along with Brandon Hart, another player who brings experience with him.”
In goal, senior Cody Hennard returns after notching seven shutouts last season.
“He puts in a lot of hard work,” Lohrman said. “He’s going to be one of the guys we’re looking for to control our new defense and his communication is going to be key.”
Travis Gleason, who is also serving as kicker on the football team, returns to play on the outside left, and brings with him a strong left foot, as does fellow senior John Palmer.
“Travis will be one of our stronger players on the outside of the field,” noted Lohrman. “He’s got a strong left foot and is going to put in a lot of minutes and provide talented footwork and good serves from the left side of the field. John Palmer is another guy capable of providing attack and defense, which is something we’re going to look for more of this year.”
Lohrman is excited about what he calls a “versatile midfield,” which includes senior Curtis Rodgers, juniors Eric DeGolier and Charles Palmer and sophomore Alex Kelly.
“Curtis has been working really hard and showing his willingness to work up and back on the outside midfield in both offensive and defensive roles,” the coach said. “We’re looking for Charles to play on the right side of the field. He has good vision and is able to distribute and plays dangerous balls in.”
Of DeGolier, Lohrman said: “Eric has been one of the guys that impressed me the most in the offseason and into the preseason. He has developed into an outside midfield player that I can rely on consistently.”
Lohrman also noted Kelly’s “strong offensive upside,” and added he will be contributing in the deep middle of the field.
On defense, junior letterwinner Ben Bean returns, as do sophomores Mitch Forbes and Matt O’Brien, who will step into a starting role.
“Ben put in a lot of time last year and we’re going to be leaning on him a lot more,” said Lohrman. “He’s going to play a central role in our defense. Matt O’Brien is someone who is able to relax and see what’s going on on the field. Mitch brings us the ability to attack from all over the field and also provides a great shot and great distribution.”
Senior Josh Hile and sophomore Jack Kellam will also see time on defense, with Kellam also serving as the Owls’ other keeper.
Incoming freshman Todd Smith and Brent Kennedy will also figure into the equation, as Lohrman stresses the importance of having depth.
“Todd is going to be part of that deep part of the field on the outside,” he said. “We’ve been watching him and Mitch (Forbes) develop great chemistry and we’re excited to see what those two can bring to our lineup. Brent is a very quiet player in nature and a very coachable player. He listens to everything we say, takes it in and makes his adjustments. He sees the field very well.”
As Lohrman noted, it will be one of the younger teams he’s had in a while, but he’s excited to see them in action.
“I’m very comfortable and excited to see what these guys can do on the field,” he said.
Bradford will be the hunted in Region 4 this season, with traditional power Warren figuring to be right in the mix as well, with a young squad last season that advanced to the District 10 Class AA championship game in 2013.
Newcomers Meadville and Conneaut will add to the talented Region, with Saegertown returning a strong side as well.
Bradford opens the season Saturday hosting Coudersport.
“Our District 10 play goes a long way to preparing us for the playoffs,” Lohrman said. “These guys know what it takes to play at the district level and the state level. I think we’re on the cusp of really breaking through.”
The schedule follows:
August
30 — COUDERSPORT
September
3 — At Conneaut
5-6 — Olean Tournament
9 — CORRY
11 — At Meadville
13 — At DuBois
15 — SAEGERTOWN
17 — PORT ALLEGANY
23 — TITUSVILLE
25 — At Warren
29 — CONNEAUT
October
1 — At Corry
4 — MEADVILLE
7 — At Saegertown
9 — DUBOIS
13 — At Titusville
15 — WARREN
