Coach of the Year

Mick Ferraro, Westminster: At the start of the season, the second-year coach was looking for a .500 record (up from 3-8-2 of a year ago) from a team that featured defense. Seven games into the season (1-6) that included three shutouts, the prospects looked dim. A 3-2 victory over Urbana ended the slide, and the Owls went on to win their last four regular season games. They finished 4-0 against county opposition, allowing none more than one goal a game and winning three of them by 2-1. After scoring four goals in the six losses, the team got 10 in the four wins. "We moved some players around, and once they put a couple of goals away, they began thinking they could score," Ferraro said. A graduate of Westminster High School and Greensboro (N.C.) College, he is in his third year as a special-education teacher at Westminster.

Co-players of Year

Chris Brothers, Westminster, senior, defense: A strong marking back with speed and poise, he created problems for some of the county's top scorers, including Tim Wilfong of North Carroll and Mike Bowers of Liberty. "He was one of the main reasons we only gave four goals to county teams," said Coach Mick Ferraro.

Chris Wineke, North Carroll, Senior, midfield: field: Considered the best all-around player on a team that had four All-County representatives, he was a first team All-Central Maryland Conference choice. The 6-foot-3 leader, who is especially strong in the air, showed his versatility by moving to sweeper to bolster the defense late in the season, and the Panthers won three of four in one stretch. As an offensive threat, he totaled six goals, seven assists to be second in the county league in points. The four-year regular cited vision of the field and confidence as the two areas in which he improved the most. A two-time All-County pick, he is a 3.3 student.

First team at a glance

Jamey Ayers, North Carroll, senior, midfield: field: He is a two-time All-County, All-Central Maryland Conference first team choice. For this season, his third as a varsity starter, he had eight goals and an assist, and coach Denny Snyder considered him the squad's best technical player. He creates many scoring opportunities with his skills, and his best output was three goals in a 5-2 win over Frederick.

Mike Bowers, Liberty, senior, forward: He rallied from a mid-season slump to finish strongly in the playoffs, where the Lions lost their region final to eventual state co-champion Linganore. He started his first varsity season with solid play, then ran into what coach Ed DeVincent considers "the rookie wall," when first-year players suddenly realize what it takes to play on the varsity. From there, he picked up his level of play the rest of the way. He was the team's top scorer with seven goals, two assists and, said his coach, has the potential to be an outstanding scorer.

Mark Campbell, North Carroll, junior, defense: fense: A veteran marking back, he took the opposing team's top scorer. Very quick and aggressive, he was especially strong in the air. His long throw-ins were an offensive threat, and he wound up with three assists.

Dan Ely, South Carroll, junior, midfield: Effective as a center midfielder or a back, he was fast and aggressive. He totaled two goals, three assists.

Jeff Hagood, Liberty, junior, defense: A quiet leader who sets an example by the way he works in practice as well as games, he was a solid defender on a junior-dominated group of backs. A strong-minded player, he took charge and was a key factor in the Lions' 10-5 year.

Jason Holman, Westminster, sophomore, forward: One of three sophomores on the squad, this starter brought speed and creativity to the offense. He had five goals and one assist, with two of his goals being game-winners.

Craig Rauser, Liberty, senior, goalkeeper: A major factor in his team's success, he ended with 80 saves and 11 goals allowed in the regular season. For three regional games, the Lions had a 12-3 edge in goals, and for the 15 games he permitted no more than two goals in any game, including the regional final, won by Linganore, 2-1. A two-time All-County selection, he also was a first team All-Central Maryland Conference choice. "Over his four years, he did a complete turn-around," coach Ed DeVincent said, "going from 'potential' to a strong leader and one of the best keepers in the state."

Micah Reese, Liberty, senior, midfield: Another first team All-CMC selection, the team captain provided strong leadership and technical skills. Tough in the air, he became a force whether dropping back on defense, directing play through the middle, or working up front. He was second on the team in scoring with four goals and four assists and was at his best in the toughest games.

Mike Reiter, South Carroll, senior, defense: fense: The Lions' most consistent defender, he regularly drew the opposition's most dangerous striker and usually was able to limit his effectiveness. He scored once.

Jon Somers, Liberty, senior, forward: Considered one of the area's best technical players, he plays well beyond his physical size, a slender 5-foot-7. A dangerous offensive threat, he was asked during the season to play as many as three positions, and he made positive contributions at all, regardless of the duties. JTC One of his goals helped the team to a 2-0 first-half lead over Thomas Johnson, paving the way for a 2-1 triumph, and champion TJ's only conference loss.

Sean Todd, Francis Scott Key, junior, midfield: He played in the middle and as a forward, ending with a third of his team's goals, six, to go with two assists. In a regional game against North Hagerstown, he was all over the field and had a goal and an assist in the 5-2 loss. Partly through the season, he moved back to shore up the midfield while continuing as a scoring threat.

David Towns, Westminster, junior, midfield: field: Brought up to the varsity after three games last year turned out to be a learning experience for him, one he could build on this season. He controlled the midfield and was strong in transition. Additionally, he led the team with six goals and an assist. Although soft-spoken, he plays tough and with confidence.

Tim Wilfong, North Carroll, senior, forward: ward: A year ago, the Panthers were 1-10-2, as injuries took away key players. This time, with Ayers and Wineke joining him, the team went 5-2-1 before stumbling down the stretch to end 8-6-1. He led the county league in scoring with 10 goals and three assists, with an ability to come through in the clutch, he scored five goals that proved to be game-winners. He is a strong left-footed kicker and particularly effective on restarts.

Team selection

The Baltimore Sun 1998 All-Carroll County boys and girls soccer teams were selected by John W. Stewart after consultation with The Sun staff and area coaches.

Pub Date: 11/26/98