Boys Soccer Preview
A-1 Division I
Coeur d’Alene Vikings
1999 records: 17-3-1 overall, 10-1-1 league
Current record: 2-1
Coach: John Smith
Years coaching: 5th
Key players: Cole Schwerin, senior, forward; Tony Grimmett, junior, midfielder; Kris Chambers, jr., mf; Ryan Tulloch, sr., defender; Danny Vredenburg, sr., stopper; Ben Christen, sr., sweeper; James Fairfield, sr., mf.
Coach’s comments: “This group didn’t get a lot of time because of the seniors ahead of them last year. But so far I like what I see. I really like our ball movement.”
Outlook: The Vikings should capture the Division I regional title but could be pushed if LC jells. Smith has a good mix of offensive potential and defensive prowess. Many of these players will make a name for themselves before season’s end.
Lake City Timberwolves
1999 records: 10-9, 7-5
Current record: 1-2
Coach: Jim Facciano
Years coaching: 6th
Key players: Dylan Hill, sr., goalkeeper; Brian Longwell, sr., sw; Anthony Facciano, sr., mf; Jeff Terracciano, sr., mf; Derek Taylor, freshman, f; Pat Irvine, sophomore, mf.
Coach’s comments: “We can be a lot more competitive this year than last year. Last year, we didn’t win any of the big games.”
Outlook: The T-Wolves came within 30 seconds of qualifying for state last year after winning the state crown the year before. LC has the talent to challenge CdA, but much depends on team chemistry. If things come together, the T-Wolves can contend with CdA.
Lewiston Bengals
1999 records: 4-9-2, 2-8-2
Current record: 2-2
Coach: Jim Hill
Years coaching: 5th
Key players: Adam White, sr., d; Brice Boland, sr., gk; Jason Carlson, sr., d; Joey Mayton, sr., mf; Shane Nightengale, sr., d; Josh Harris, jr., striker.
Coach’s comments: “I think it’s wide open. All the teams have a lot of new players.”
Outlook: The Bengals are still striving for respect. They’re still on the outside looking in. But the program has made strides. This could be the year Lewiston jumps up and knocks off a proven program.
A-1 Division II
Sandpoint Bulldogs
1999 records: 14-4-1, 8-1-3
Current record: 2-0
Coach: Randy Thoreson
Years coaching: 3rd
Key players: Jake Bachman, sr., f; Charlie Kingsland, jr., f; Chase Mikkelsen, sr., d; Ryan Mahler, sr., d; Jake Rosholt, sr., mf; Luke Miller, soph., mf.
Coach’s comments: “I like the team chemistry and attitudes in practice. We’re still a young team, but we’re talented all the way down the line.”
Outlook: The Bulldogs are heavily favored to challenge for a state title, if not win it. Sandpoint petitioned to play in Division I, but District I officials denied the request. Sandpoint is considered the favorite in the league.
Moscow Bears
1999 records: 17-4-1 (state champ), 8-3-1
Current record: 2-1
Coach: Matt Rowton
Years coaching: 1st
Key players: Ian Liebbrandt, jr., f; Luke Ordway, sr., mf; Kasey Saylor, jr., mf; Luke Rust, sr., d; Joe Dudley, jr., gk.
Coach’s comments: “We’re a young team. We can’t rely on veteran skills like last year.”
Outlook: The Bears peaked at the opportune time last year, winning a loserout playoff match over Lake City in the final 30 seconds to advance to state, where they surprised by winning the championship. Graduation hit the Bears hard, but they should earn one of the two Division II state berths.
Lakeland Hawks
1999 records: 2-11-3, 1-10-2
Current record: 4-0
Coach: Nick Haynes
Years coaching: 1st
Key players: Tom Besenberg, sr., f; Luke Van Valin, jr., f; Shea Williamson, soph., sw; Tugberk Tekdemir, fr., gk; Garrett Kullunki, jr., mf.
Coach’s comments: “I think we can get to state if the kids keep working hard.”
Outlook: If there’s a dark horse to knock off Moscow, it may be the Hawks. Haynes reports that the Hawks have a better attitude this year - especially in practice. It’s been noticed in a 4-0 start.
Post Falls Trojans
1999 records: 2-12-1, 2-10-1
Current record: 0-2-1
Coach: Matt White
Years coaching: 3rd
Key players: Chris Haas, sr., mf; Tony Mueller, sr., mf; Tyler Baker, jr., d; Steve Dion, fr., mf; Jeremy Stroud, jr., f; Mike Elmose, sr., gk.
Coach’s comments: “We’re improving, and practices are going a lot better than last year. It’s just a matter of fine tuning and finding the right combinations of guys.”
Outlook: Post Falls still doesn’t have enough firepower to challenge the established programs. But the Trojans hope to be in the hunt for the second state berth.
A-2
Bonners Ferry Badgers
Current record: 0-3-1
Coach: Wayne Wilkerson
Years coaching: 2nd
Key players: Matt Barcklay, jr., gk; Adrian McCrum, sr., d; Kevin Dinning, sr., mf; Woody Venard, jr., mf.
Coach’s comments: “We’re younger than last year, but we have a cohesive team. I think we’re going to end real strong. We’re just going to get better as we go.”
Outlook: The Badgers have an automatic berth to state. Wilkerson will accept the berth if he sees seasonlong commitment from his team.