By Moses Leos III.
After earning Lehman High’s first team district title in history, the Lobo boys’ soccer team could sit on its laurels, basking in past successes.
But head coach Jay Sansom knows the team will have a proverbial target on its back in 2014.
For the first time in program history, the Lehman boys’ soccer team enters the season as 49-4A district champions. Last year’s finish saw them compile the best record in program history – 19-2-1 – and an appearance in the area round of the playoffs.
Looking back won’t be Sansom’s modus operandi — moving forward is the motto for the Lobos, who will return nine starters from last year’s roster.
Lehman High’s Brian Percastequi kicks the ball around with his teammates. With much of the 2013 District Championship team returning, the Lobos team is ready to defend its title in 2014. (Photos by Moses Leos III) |
Sansom said this year’s squad is a “level-headed group,” which he says is a “totally different team” from the season previous.
“[Other teams] understand we are successful,” Sansom said, “but now, we are the team to beat.”
Two distinct pieces will be missing, as the Lobos will have to fill the gaps left by starters Victor Bravo and Eli Guajardo. Both were instrumental in last season’s playoff run, especially Guajardo, who was the 49-4A Most Valuable Player last year.
But in their place, several players may fill the void. Senior defensive captain Chris Piedra returns to man the back line, while on offense, standout sophomore forward Diego Garcia returns on the front line.
“We knew we were going to lose a few players, but we have a lot of people coming back,” midfielder Fabian Mantilla said. “With a target on our backs, we know we have to step it up even more to be successful.”
With the majority of their roster returning, the players feel the chemistry from the team will remain. Mantilla felt it would help bolster the team’s identity as the year progresses, along with helping ease new player’s transition to varsity.
“It helps us bring them into the family we have here,” Mantilla said. “We bring them in as family; we make them feel like they were a part of the team.”
Sansom said the key would be the Lobos’ adherence to a possession-based style of play.
While the coaching staff will adjust to player performance, they will work on fielding the best corps that plays to their style.
“We have an idea of what we’re going to do,” he said. “The big pieces are coming together.”
But he knows other teams will be gunning for the Lobos, especially in district. With the strength of Hays and Bastrop, and the uncertainty of Lockhart and Cedar Creek, the Lobos face a myriad of challenges.
The Lobos first true action of the year will come at the Rebel Cup, scheduled for Jan. 9-11.
Several major ball clubs will compete, including the tournament opener against Manor – Lehman’s bi-district playoff foe from last year.
While most of the Lehman soccer team returns from last year, a few newcomers also join the mix. Pictured are (back row, left to right) Nick Wittkopp, Michael Diers, Manuel Diego, Fabian Mantilla, Albert Percastegui, (front row, left to right) Rene Torres, Brian Percastegui, Diego Garcia, Jesse Rodriguez and Mikey Torres. |
Sansom feels the challenge at the Rebel Cup will prepare them for their district grind.
For now, it’s all about getting back into form.
“We want to win [at the Rebel Cup], but we also want to evaluate players,” he said. “We want to find out what the kids can do versus others.”
Overall, the players want to improve. Mantilla aims to see the team improve upon last year’s historic season.
The idea is to go out and play – whether at the Rebel Cup, or against a tough district schedule.
“We are not going to be cocky. We are going to come out and play,” Garcia said. “We are going to do our thing, and hopefully the result goes our way.”
