Arlington Baptist Eagles
1997 record: 3-7
Coach: Andy Gossel
Top players: Scott Booker, Sr., M; Jason Jones, Jr., F; Enoch Brix, Sr., D
Outlook: The Eagles, who for the first time since 1994 won't have to adjust to a new coach, should be more cohesive moving the ball upfield with better passing and spacing.
Beth Tfiloh Warriors
1997 record: 6-8
Co-coaches: Howard Burkom, Bruce Lubich
Top players: Eliot Burkom, Soph., M; Joe Rombro, Jr., D; Chanan Weissman, Soph., M; Aaron Hollander, Jr., M.
Outlook: Burkom and Lubich, assistant coaches for the past two years, inherit a team with no seniors. The Warriors' attack is mostly intact from a year ago.
Boys' Latin Lakers
1997 record: 6-12
Coach: Butch Maisel
Top players: Jon Singer, Sr., M; Greg Wiatrowski, So., F; Greg Hendler, Sr., D; Devin Murphy, Jr., F.
Outlook: After missing the MIAA B Conference playoffs for the first time in nine years, the Lakers look primed for a comeback. They lost just one starter and added several newcomers. Wiatrowski (10 goals) returns as the leading scoring threat. Bitten by the injury bug in practice, Maisel expects his team to be at full strength shortly.
Calvert Hall Cardinals
1997 record: 19-3
Coach: Andy Moore
Top players: Steve Adams, Sr., D; Randy Tolson, Sr., F; Joe Marcozzi, Sr., F; Mike Joseph, Jr., M.
Outlook: Moore, the JV coach the past three years, replaced Bill Karpovich, who stepped down after 35 years and 19 league titles. Although the Cardinals lost four first-team All-Metro performers and return just one starter (Adams), Moore insists they have enough talent to battle for a third straight MIAA A Conference championship. "There's an aura of confidence in our soccer program," Moore said. "And once the kids play in our system, they sustain that confidence that just brings things to us."
Catonsville Comets
1997 record: 3-8
Coach: Dave Lane
Top players: Callanam, Sr., GK; Kai Degner, Sr., M; Won Hill, Jr., M; Rai Cary, Jr., F; Dan Carter, Sr., M.
Outlook: Lane won't make any bold predictions, but he will say, "It looks like it could be a big year for us." The once-inexperienced Comets boast a lot of senior leadership Lane hopes will mean wins.
Carver A&T; Wildcats
1997 record: 4-8
Coach: Ian Reid
Top players: Chiles VandenBosche, Sr., D; Delke Crouthamel, Soph., D; Alex Bardoff, Jr., M; Steve Rachamim, Sr., F; Dustin Gason, Jr., GK.
Outlook: The Wildcats lost seven starters to graduation and will have to rely on some freshmen to fill much of the void.
Chesapeake Bayhawks
1997 record: 5-5-1
Coach: Bob Hallet
Top players: Lou Pueschel, Sr., M; Bill Strickland, Sr., D; Brian Strickland, Soph., D; Mike Adams, Sr., F; Brian Ross, Sr., GK.
Outlook: Hallet, who moved to Chesapeake from Sparrows Point, where he led the Pointers to a division title and county and state championship appearances, admits he was "a little concerned" when only seven players showed up for practice the first week." That number has since grown to 20. "We want to win a regional championship," said Hallet. "I'm not worried about our record. We want to be competitive and win a regional championship. That's my goal every year."
Dulaney Lions
1997 record: 9-2-1
Coach: Steve Shaw
Top players: Mike Keppeler, Sr., D; Josh Tracy, Sr., GK; Pat Quinn, Sr., F; Ryan Obringer, Sr. M.
Outlook: Shaw, who coached Dulaney's JV last season, should feel at home this season with 10 of his JV players now on varsity. Shaw inherits a team that went undefeated in the regular season before losing to Perry Hall, 1-0, in the playoffs' first round. "We'll be competitive, but we have a long way to go," said Shaw.
Dundalk Owls
1997 record: 6-6-1
Coach: Jeff Holland
Top players: Jason Cox, Sr., GK; Steve Swedo, Sr., M; Adam Kropkowski, Sr., D; Steve Hutchins, Sr., F; Jim Wilson, Jr., F; Steve Custer, Jr., M.
Outlook: The Owls will rely on a veteran defensive unit, led by Kropkowski, the "stalwart of the defense," and Cox to carry the team until someone steps up and provides some scoring punch. "If we get a big game from Jason Cox and our scoring potential develops, we should do at least do as well as last year," said assistant coach George Holland.
Eastern Tech Mavericks
1997 record: 9-3
Coach: Peter Glaudemans
Top players: Jose Barbosa, Sr., GK, Chris Markel, Jr., D; Joe Sladek, Sr., M; Brandon Bookshire, Jr., F; Ryan Kahl, Sr., D; Mark Greason, Jr.; F; Matt Alt, Jr., M.
Outlook: Despite a demanding, 14-game schedule and the loss of six starters to graduation, Glaudemans has high hopes. "We ** have a solid defense and a midfield and striker line that knows how to score," said the coach.
Franklin Indians
1997 record: 6-10
Coach: Larry Meekins
Top players: John Schuster, Sr., F; Chris Borcik, Soph., F; Scott Landis, Sr., M; Nick Outten, Sr., D. Andy Schuster, Soph., GK.
Outlook: The Indians, who finished with a four-game winning streak in the regular season last fall, return 12 seniors from a team that advanced to the region finals before losing 1-0 to Patapsco.
Hereford Bulls
1997 record: 11-3-3
Coach: Glenn Quinn
Top players: Todd Smith, Sr., F/M; Tom Wilson, Sr., M/D; Brett Gunther, Sr., F; Greg Herwig, Sr., D; Jimmy Bishop, Fr., D/M; Chad Farley, Sr., M.
Outlook: The Bulls, who lost to Glenelg, 2-1, in double overtime in last year's state semifinals, will try to get back to the state playoffs with only two returning starters in Smith and Wilson. "I'm going to rely on two juniors who sat the bench last year and a lot of freshmen for key spots," said Quinn.
Kenwood Bluebirds
1997 record: 12-2-2
Coach: Carroll Hess
Top players: Mike Potter, Jr, M; Chris O'Leary, Jr., D; Matt Greensfelder, Sr., GK; Don Driggers, Jr., M.
Outlook: Hess, who already has informed his players that he will step down after this, his 36th season, believes he has enough talent to send him out on top, despite the loss of six starters. The Bluebirds, who advanced to the region finals last year before bowing to Bel Air, 1-0, should benefit by the transfer of Potter from Towson to Kenwood. O'Leary, a three-year starter, will anchor the defense from his spot at sweeper, and right wing Driggers had five goals last fall.
Lansdowne Vikings
1997 record: 2-11
Coach: Dave Stovenour
Top players: Wayne Swanke, Sr., F; Larry Krugen, Sr., M; Roy Wink, Jr., D.
Outlook: The Vikings are looking to rebuild after winning only two games last season. That process will revolve around Swanke, a senior striker, midfielder Krugen and Wink, a talented sweeper. "We have a lot of good talent returning, so I'm excited," said Stovenour. "We're looking forward to a great year and a winning record. I really think we can compete with the other schools in our [West] division."
Loch Raven Raiders
1997 record: 8-5
Coach: Joe Fiedler
Top players: Jon Calabretta, Jr., F; Mike Lancelotta, Sr., M; Josh Plunkert, Sr., M; Josh Majewski, Sr., GK.
Outlook: The Raiders have one of Baltimore County's toughest schedules, especially early, when they face perennial powers Calvert Hall, Fallston and Loyola. Fiedler moved former fullbacks Lancelotta and Plunkert up to strengthen an offense that was nearly depleted by graduation. "We're very young," said Fiedler. "Hopefully, by midseason we'll be ready to go."
Loyola Dons
1997 record: 5-11-1
Coach: Don Kraft
Top players: Marcus Johnson, Sr., M; Justin Januskiewicz, Sr., F; Gino Miles, Sr., G; Mike Lookingland, Soph., D
Outlook: Under second-year coach Kraft, the Dons should be making their move to crack the top tier of the MIAA A Conference. Loyola has a strong nucleus of 14 players back and looks for a change in fortune after six one-goal losses last season.
Lutheran Saints
1997 record: 2-12-1
Coach: Ed Morris
Top players: Bret Evans, Sr., D; Ben Calvert, Jr., M; Peter Miller, Soph., F
Outlook: Morris returns to high school coaching for the first time since directing Friends in 1977. He acknowledges an adjustment period may be needed but has the Saints focused on their first postseason appearance in five years.
McDonogh Eagles
1997 record: 17-3-1
Coach: Steve Nichols
Top players: Jon Cole, Sr., M; Vinnie Ciarpella, Sr., M; Cap Poklemba, Sr., M; Heroki Kwase, Sr., M; Kaiser Chowdhry, Soph., A; Rob Callinan, Sr., M; Taiser Chowdhry, Sr., A; Chris Zuk, Jr., D; Bobby Benson, Sr., G.
Outlook: The Eagles, MIAA A Conference semifinalists last year, appear to be the area's elite team this season. McDonogh returns 10 starters from a team that recorded a school-record 13 shutouts, including two of the state's top college prospects in Cole and Ciarpella. Cole, an All-American last season, led the MIAA in scoring with 13 goals and nine assists. The one concern is the Eagles' wilting at times during a grueling, 25-game schedule. "I think we have the best starting 11, but some others might have more depth," Nichols said.
Milford Mill Millers
1997 record: 1-11
Coach: David Urias
Top players: Vaughn Heggins, Sr., GK; Akindele Adenjapu, Soph., F; Tunde Kehinde, Jr., M; Matt Davis, Jr., M.
Outlook: The Millers lost only two players to graduation but one of them, Sicone McLain, was an All-County performer. With nine starters back, Urias says he "feels very positive" and believes this will be "the best season we've had. Everyone on this team has a lot of heart."
Mount Carmel
Coach: Brian McGarren
Top players: Eric Augustine, Jr., M; Shawn Kuehn, Jr., D; Darrick Muchla, Jr., G; Andrew Ganzermiller, Soph., M; Daxton Bury, Soph., M.
Outlook: With six returning juniors and no seniors, Mount Carmel has its sights set on building up its program and moving up to the B Conference next year. Augustine is the most talented player in the middle and is the vocal leader on the team.
Overlea Falcons
1997 record: 7-6
Coach: Stan Kucharski
Top players: Mike Horst, Jr., GK; Brian Price, Sr., M; Eric Esposito, Sr., F; Larry Tomcho, Sr., M.
Outlook: With no JV to groom his players and a "small crop of returnees," Kucharski, a former assistant coach at Perry Hall, has modest expectations for his inaugural season. "We'll win a few games, but we'll have some tough times against the real powerhouses," said Kucharski, whose Falcons will compete in the county's strongest division -- the Central. "It could be a tough year, but I'm hoping for at least a .500 season."
Owings Mills Eagles
1997 record: 5-8
Coach: Rick Pizarro
Top players: Matt Summerlin, Sr., GK; Bobby Hallock, Sr., D; Jeremy Kavalsky, Sr., D; Brian Stifler, Jr., D; Matt Murray, Sr., D; Andy Black, Sr., F; Yuri Malachevsky, Soph., F.
Outlook: Pizarro is hoping his 40-plus years of coaching experience will help the Eagles soar above the .500 mark. The first-year coach, who led Centennial's girls team to back-to-back state titles in 1991 and 1992, will turn to his "hard-core group of defenders," namely Hallock, Kavalsky, Stifler and Murray, to lead the team.
Parkville Knights
1997 record: 7-6
Coach: Joe Smith
Top players: Jason Smith, Sr., M/F; Dan Rock, Sr., M/F; Jeff Novotny, Soph., M; Jeffrey Emrine, Sr., GK; Jaime Cherel, Fr., M.
Outlook: The Knights are younger than they were last season but Smith is confident that this is a much stronger team offensively. "We should see a much stronger offensive thrust," said Smith. "We're a little weak in terms of defense because of the youth of the team, but we're looking to improve on last year's record and looking forward to going farther in the region playoffs, as well."
Park Bruins
1997 record: 11-6-1
Coach: Lucky Malonee
Top players: Justin Gundlach, Sr., D; Ryan Ungaretti, Sr., M; Jon Hillman, Sr., F; Simon O'Callaghan, Sr., M/F; Andrew Kinne, Soph., A; Matt Hoffman, Jr., F/M.
Outlook: Malonee anticipated a rebuilding year with a team primarily composed of juniors and sophomores. However, the additions of O'Callaghan, an exchange student from Ireland, and Kinne, a transfer who played on Calvert Hall's JV, give the Bruins a stronger ability to control the ball and have them making a push toward the playoffs.
Patapsco Patriots
1997 record: 14-3
Coach: Dave Ingle
Top players: Nick Mabry, Sr., D, Chad Clarke, Sr., D; Joe Pugh, Jr., MF; Scott Beckman, Jr., M; Greg Hopper, Sr., F
Outlook: The Patriots, Class 2A state champs in 1995, return seven starters from last fall's Class 2A North region champions. "We look pretty strong again," said Ingle. "We're missing some kids from last year, but we have a pretty good bench. I think we can compete with everyone we play."
Perry Hall Gators
1997 record: 8-5
Coach: Ed Wolf
Top players: Jason Holderness, Sr., F; Zach Fisher, Jr., F; Matt Barrett, Jr., GK; Chad Hildebrant, Jr., D; Scott Dufel, Jr., MF; Fred Jonjo, Jr., M/F/D.
Outlook: The Gators graduated their entire backfield, including All-State sweeper Evan Nastalski, and All-State goalie Kyle Zimmer is no longer around, but Wolf believes his team still has a "good shot at the county title. We're blending a bunch of juniors with bunch of seniors and building in several areas." Wolf's team lost five one-goal games last year.
Pikesville Panthers
1997 record: 5-9
Coach: Craig Campbell
Top players: Vadin Polikov, Sr., D; Ben Hervst, Sr., F; Leon Belt, Soph., D; Josh Rivlin, Sr., M.
Outlook: The Panthers, who made it to the region finals last season before losing to Hereford, 2-1, return only one starter. Despite the departure of 10 starters, Campbell is confident that his inexperienced squad can improve on last year's 5-9 mark. "This team is very balanced," said Campbell. "I have solid players across the board."
Randallstown Rams
1997 record: None
Coach: Joel Thornton
Top players: Nicholas Miller, Fresh., M/F; Daniel Omolola, Jr., M; Obafemi Somide, Jr., M; Justin Hatcher, Jr., F; Christopher Washington, Soph., F; Bariki Savage, Sr., D; James Shipp, Sr., D.
Outlook: The Rams are fielding a team for the first time in four years and will play an independent schedule under Thornton, who started the girls program last year. Randallstown is stacked with midfielders and could get some exciting play from offensive-minded Miller and defenders Savage and Shipp, who play basketball.
St. Paul's Crusaders
1997 record: 17-8
Coach: Howard Schindler
Top players: Conor Ford, Jr., D; Alex Kopicki, Sr., M; Todd Brooks, Sr., F; Ian Thomas, Sr., F; Reid Bouchelle, Soph., M; Ricky Cohen, Sr., D; Spencer Fastie, Sr., D; John Snellinger, Sr., M.
Outlook: The defending MIAA B Conference champion graduated 10 seniors, including five starters, but Schindler predicts this season will be "more remodeling than rebuilding." The Crusaders will field an untested defense, and a major part of their success lies on how last year's reserves step up. St. Paul's looks to offset the loss of leading goal scorer Tom Trella with an "offense by committee" scheme.
Sparrows Point Pointers
1997 record: 8-3
Coach: George Bischoff
Top players: Chuck Traves, Jr., M; Nick Lackovelli, Jr., D; John Tirabassi, Jr., A; Charles Walpole, Sr., D; Branden Warner, Jr., M.
Outlook: There's a well-balanced nucleus of five returning junior starters, giving the Pointers aspirations of being one of the top teams in their division. Bischoff, who was an assistant last year, has to mesh in some newcomers.
Towson Generals
1997 record: 6-8
Coach: Randy Dase
Top players: John-Michael Pajura, Sr., D; Peter Reynolds, Sr., D; Jesse Markowitz, Sr., M; Gavin Kimball, Sr., M; Scott Kennard, Sr., B; Zach Wilson, Sr., M.
Outlook: The Generals, who lost in the last year's regional semifinals, return a solid defensive foundation which matured throughout the season. With six starters back, Towson's main weakness appears to be the lack of a scorer.
Towson Catholic Owls
No report
Western T&E; Wolverines
1997 record: 2-8
Coach: Tag Landon
Top players: Adam Coburn, Sr., D; Jamie Tremper, Sr., D; Justin Williams, Soph., G; Warren Drell, Soph., A; Marty Goldys, Soph., A.
Outlook: Landon, the JV coach the past three seasons, takes over the Wolverines, who return 12 players. Western T&E; should competitive against its Division III opponents.
Woodlawn Warriors
1997 record: 3-7-2
Coach: Karl Brown
Top players: Peter Billingsley, Sr., M; Ryan Lawn, Sr., F; John Bradley, Jr., GK; Chinedu Ogbonnu, Fr., F; Christian Tubeune, Jr., F/M; Jonas Phillipsen, Jr., M.
Outlook: The Warriors are looking to win the county's Division III behind a solid group of returnees and fleet-footed Ogbonnu, their top offensive threat.
Boys Top 15
Rank, School
1. River Hill
2. McDonogh
3. Mount Hebron
4. Archbishop Curley
5. Severna Park
6. Calvert Hall
7. Wilde Lake
8. Mount St. Joseph
9. Oakland Mills
10. Franklin
11. Arundel
12. Patapsco
13. Chesapeake-AA
14. Bel Air
15. Old Mill
Pub Date: 9/03/98