Annapolis Panthers
1997 record: 3-10
Coach: Dave Gehrdes
Top players: Will Phillips, Jr., M; Andy Rogers, Sr., M; Andrew Hemminger, Sr., D; Dan Hemminger, Sr., F; Steve Gioffre, Sr., M; Pat O'Brien, Jr., F.
Outlook: Gehrdes, with eight starters among his 16 returnees, didn't like the number of goals his Panthers were able to put in the back of the net last fall. "That's the most difficult part of the game," he said. Phillips, a center midfielder who can do it all, put in his share but gotlittle help. Rogers moves from sweeper to midfield to get the most out of his speed and endurance. Andrew Hemminger will key a veteran defense. His brother Dan will try to solve the scoring mystery.
Annapolis Area Christian Eagles
1997 record: 2-12-3
Coach: Bob Topp
Top players: Stephen Deterding, Jr., M; Roy Farner, Jr., F; Alex Bitzer, So., D; Aaron Hendricks, Sr., M; Luke Cooper, Sr., M; Brian Mahaffey, Sr., M/G.
Outlook: After a disappointing debut in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association B Conference last season, the Eagles expect better things. Topp said maturity, two promising transferees, and some talented newcomers from JV should provide more wins. Deterding, in midfield this season, and Farner, a transfer from Bowie, will be the team's core. Support comes from Bitzer, Hendricks, Cooper and Mahaffey with Jay Parks, a junior midfielder who transferred from Riverdale Baptist, also a player. Underclassmen provide depth. "We're not championship caliber yet, but we should win more than we lose," said Topp.
Archbishop Spalding Cavaliers
1997 record: 14-5-2
Coach: Rick Carlson
Top players: Bryan Medej, Sr., F; Dave Florez, Sr., M; Pat Blair, Sr., D/F; Jay Broglie, Sr., D; Jordan Terry, Jr., M; Brian Kopetsky, Jr., D.
Outlook: Coming up with an encore to last year's dream season, which ended in a 1-0 loss to Calvert Hall for the Cavs' first appearance in the MIAA A Conference final, will be difficult. That team had 12 seniors, but but Carlson is cautiously optimistic with his young, talented nucleus that includes Medej (12 goals last fall) and four or five others who saw some varsity action then, plus several newcomers. "We have to be patient. We're working hard and have met all our goals so far. What you may see at the beginning of the season won't be what you see at the end," said Carlson.
Arundel Wildcats
1997 record: 13-3
Coach: Nick Jauschnegg
Top players: Kyle Beckerman, Jr., M; Matt Brady, Sr., M; Mike Brady, Sr., F; Brett Bujack, Sr., D; Jim Daley, Sr., M; Chris Ewing, Sr., D; Jordan Hoit, Sr., D; Matt Shepard, Sr., G.
Outlook: Plenty of bright spots can be found, but none is brighter than Beckerman in the middle of the field. "He's the quarterback of our team -- makes us go. He scores, distributes, and does a lot of other things," said Jauschnegg. Beckerman, a member of the Under-17 U.S. national team that competed in Europe this summer, scored 15 times and added four assists last season to earn first-team All-State honors. Six starters return with him. Mike Brady will be counted on to finish with Shepard returning in goal to anchor a veteran defense. "We have a lot of experience spread out, and things are starting to fall into place," said Jauschnegg.
Broadneck Bruins
1997 record: 6-6-1
Coach: Jon Braun
Top players: John Parisi, Sr., M; Colin Jones, Sr., D; Shane Sarchiapone, Sr., D; Kelly Nash, Sr., F; Ben Ashby, Sr., M; Zachary Greene, Sr., D; Ryan Sackett, Sr., D.
Outlook: Parisi, a first-team All-County selection last fall, will be starting his fourth year of varsity at midfield and supplies constant energy at midfield. "He's an outstanding player who sets an example for everyone else. He's such a talented player, it's infectious and makes us a better team," said Braun. Nash has speed to complement Parisi, and Ashby, normally a midfielder, also could see time up front. Jones, at sweeper, is the only regular back on defense. His athleticism and experience will be vital. Joey Case and Matt Stover will take care of the goal.
Chesapeake Cougars
1997 record: 11-2-1
Coach: Earl Eckhardt
Top players: Dustin Abey, Sr., F; Billy Adams, Sr., F; Mike McIntyre, Sr., M; Howie Otto, Sr., G; Scott Mucci, Jr., D; Mike Jungerheld, So., M.
Outlook: The Cougars won their third county championship in four years last fall with a convincing 5-0 win over Arundel. A strong nucleus returns, led by second-team All-State striker Abey (eight goals, eight assists) to put them in the middle of things again. "He has a terrific work rate with fine skills and a good hard shot," said Eckhardt. Abey will be heavily marked, which should open things for Adams and McIntyre, who will be the midfield mainstays. Jungerheld, a defensive midfielder last season, will also step up. Mucci at sweeper and Otto in goal give the Cougars a strong middle defensively. "The last half of the season last year, I thought Howie was as good as anyone in the county," said Eckhardt.
Glen Burnie Gophers
1997 record: 6-8-1
Coach: John Camm
Top players: Ryan Thompson, Sr., F; Justin Bennett, Sr., M; Scott Gilde, Sr., F; Ronny Smith, So., M; Andy Bonn, Sr., D; Tom McCormick, Sr., D; Richie Crowell, Sr., M; Steve Arnwine, Jr., D.
Outlook: Camm called this the most skilled team he's had in his five years at Glen Burnie. Most of the experience is up front and in midfield, which should produce more goals. Bennett brings discipline to the center midfield position while Thompson and Gilde give the Gophers a one-two punch at striker. "Ryan is a good athlete, strong in the air and fast. His vision and touch have improved. Scott has great touch and work rate," said Camm. The defense lacks depth, Bonn will play a prominent role at stopper. "They're playing smart and working hard," said Camm.
Meade Mustangs
1997 record: 4-10
Coach: Mike Dey
Top players: Mike Cheman, Jr., F; Eric Nkansah, Sr., D; Chris Rowley, Sr., G; Jeremy Statkus, Jr., D; Matt Pandullo, Sr., D; Jason Skowronski, Jr., D; Dustin Pierce, So., M; Derek Duvall, Sr., M.
Outlook: A young Mustang defense gave up 54 goals in 14 games last season, so the obvious task is lowering that number. Nkansah, in his third varsity season, will play stopper, with Statkus providing a nice touch and good field sense at sweeper. Rowley, a converted midfielder, brings an aggressive attitude to the goal. An improved midfield and Cheman (eight goals, three assists) up front will help keep pressure off the defense. Cheman, stronger, is starting his third varsity season. Help will come from the hard-working Pierce at center midfield. Duvall adds midfield speed and creativity. Rashard Kellici, an exchange student from Albania, could provide an unexpected lift.
North County Knights
1997 record: 8-7-1
Coach: Greg Helms
Top players: Justin Bates, Sr., F; Mark Bloomquist, Sr., G; Jason Fox, Sr., M; Josh Biller, Sr., D; Ryan Moyer, Sr., F; Marty Dietrich, Sr., D.
Outlook: The Knights were the surprise of the county last season after getting hot at just the right time, winning the Class 4A East region championship with upsets of Arundel and Severna Park. With nine starters back and 13 seniors, they plan to take the same blue-collar approach. "Last season was a great confidence booster," said Helms. The Knights, who scored just 20 goals last fall, will try to press more offensively with Moyer up from midfield joining Bates at striker. They are strong down the middle with Biller sweeping, Dietrich at stopper and Fox taking control at midfield. Bloomquist, a midfielder last season, makes the move to goal.
Northeast Eagles
1997 record: 1-10-1
Coach: John Malecki
Top players: Mark Sutton, Sr., D; Chad Koontz, Sr., D/F; Matt Dodge, Sr., F; Brandon Whipps, Sr., D; Justin Harper, Sr., M/D; Butch Santucci, Jr., G.
Outlook: Going the distance is the key. Malecki said last year's team was able to hang around against some of the better teams in the county for about a half before running out of gas. "If we can stay close a little longer, we can win more games. The kids are working hard for us," said the second-year coach. Malecki is counting on Sutton at sweeper, Whipps at stopper and Santucci in goal to keep the Eagles within striking distance while Koontz and Dodge take care of business up front. Harper will also provide experience at midfield or defense. Steve Kendall and Marcus Henderson -- both freshmen -- will see action at midfield. "We're a little faster, so we should be able to cause more problems. We'd like to win a couple more games and make a better showing in the playoffs," said Malecki.
Old Mill Patriots
1997 record: 8-5-2
Coach: Jim Griffith
Top players: Tim Smith, Sr., M; Vic Phillett, Jr., M; Zach Healy, Sr., M; Paul Venturella, Sr., F; Jayson Taitague, Sr., M; Aaron Bulls, Sr., F; Scott Roberts, Jr., D.
Outlook: The Patriots could well be the county's most intriguing team. Loaded with experienced midfielders, led by Smith (seven goals, seven assists), and just as solid at striker with Venturella .. and Bulls, the Patriots shouldn't have trouble scoring. The mystery is how fast a largely unproven defense can come along. Seven starters return, but on defense, only Roberts is back. "If we can put together a solid defense, we'll be fine," said second-year coach Griffith. "Our defense is inexperienced, and we're inexperienced at goalkeeper. We just have to wait and see." Juniors Eric Sholl and Dan Carpenter are competing strongly to start in goal.
Severna Park Falcons
1997 record: 10-6-1
Coach: Don Gregg
Top players: Reid Shaklee, Sr., D; Bernie Edwards, Sr., D/M; Billy Mooney, Sr., F/M; Sean McGarry, Sr., D; Adam Bennett, Sr., D; Robi Singh, Sr., D; Jerry Cornett, Jr., M/F.
Outlook: Loaded. That's the common word being thrown around by a lot of county coaches about the Falcons, who have 12 players back, including nine starters. Shaklee, a four-year starter, is the county's steadiest defender at sweeper. Edwards is another four-year standout who provides plenty of speed and versatility as a defender or midfielder. And Mooney, who will see time at midfield and at striker, is a presence wherever he plays. "If they play well, we'll do well," said Gregg. The team focus is unity. "If everyone knows [his] role, we can develop as a team and have reasonable expectations," said Gregg.
Severn Admirals
1997 record: 14-1-4
Coach: Brad Rivera
Top players: Kyle Hyland, Sr., M; Jeff McFarland, Sr., M; Colin Wyatt, Sr., G; Brandon Wright, So., D; Chris Miller, Jr., D; Rob Christ, Sr., D; Doug Mayer, Jr., D; Adam Hadhazy, Sr. , D.
Outlook: Rivera replaces Marc Osterberger, who guided the Admirals to a program-best 14-1-4 season last fall before taking a full-time job. Rivera brings a wealth of coaching experience, including a successful three-year stint at Spalding from 1989-91. He also brings a short passing game that stresses possession, and the young group has responded. Hyland and McFarland will provide leadership and stability at center midfield. Wyatt in goal anchors a formidable defense. The middle of the defense has size with Wright taking over at sweeper. Miller adds speed and endurance at sopper. Youth dominates the front line and is already paying dividends with freshman Danny Polm scoring two goals in a 2-0 season-opening win over Cardinal Gibbons on Tuesday.
Southern Bulldogs
1997 record: 7-7-1
Coach: V.J. Keith
Top players: Jesse Woody, Jr., G; Rob Witt, Jr., M; Nick Alley, Sr., F; Mike Lacey, Sr., D; Dustin Wolf, Jr., M; Chuck Scarlata, Jr., D; D.J. Hendricks, Jr., D; Ryan Spannare, Jr., M.
Outlook: A solid core is back from last fall's Class 2A East region final, and the team is still very young. Keith had four sophomores starting throughout the season and all come back with the valuable experience. With the graduation of two-time All-County midfielder Josh Booth, Keith is waiting to find someone to step up as the team's catalyst. A good candidate may be Witt, who has started since his freshman season and will take over at center midfield. "We're going to try to showcase him a little more this season, and he'll also see time up at striker. He's got good speed and a nice touch, but his main quality is how physical he is," said Booth. Woody came up huge in goal for the Bulldogs last season, and Keith is expecting much of the same this season. The defense looks improved with Lacey at sweeper and Scarlata at stopper controlling the middle. The offense lost speed to graduation, but Keith believes this season's attack can make up for it with better ball skills.
South River Seahawks
1997 record: 5-5-2
Coach: Greg Carroll
Top players: Jon Herbert, Sr., M; Sean Bredbenner, Sr., F; Mark Howard, Jr., M; Ryan Miller, Jr., D.
Outlook: With only one starter back and a roster of five seniors and 15 juniors, Carroll said he'll be finding things out day by day. "This is an unproven group, but I expect them to be competitive and improve as they go," he said. Herbert, in his third varsity season, will carry a big burden in the middle of the field, directing things defensively as well as distributing on offense. He works well with Bredbenner, who will be the Seahawks prime finisher at striker with Miller also chipping in. Well into practice, Carroll still was looking for a starting four to comprise the defensive unit while Kyle McDonough and Chris Phillips -- both juniors -- compete for the goalie spot. "Next season you're thinking, 'Wow, 15 seniors.' But sometimes it can be the junior year. They have a great attitude," said Carroll.
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St. Mary's Saints
1997 record: 11-6-3
Coach: Jamie McNealey
Top players: Kevin Corradini, Sr., M; Jon Schedolsky, Sr., F; Chris Summers, Sr., G; Mike Mullen, Sr., D; Tony Bonacci, Jr., M; Ryan Shera, Jr., D; Chris Garrity, Sr., D/M; Mark Kastantin, Sr., D; Pat Wells, Sr., F; Bobby Van Dyke, Jr., F.
Outlook: McNealey said he threw an untested group of juniors to the wolves last season and after taking it on the chin early, they settled in nicely to finish with 11 wins. Ready to pick up where they left off, the Saints have 11 seniors and nine more juniors to make a strong run in the MIAA B Conference. When you talk about St. Mary's boys soccer in recent years, the first player mentioned is always Corradini, who is closing out a four-year varsity career as play-maker at center midfield. He's surrounded with speed, with Shedlosky and Wells the primary threats up front and Bonacci, sweeper last fall, moving into midfield. Shera will take over at sweeper. Summers is a solid returner in goal.
Metro 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