After a 5-19 season a year ago, Carl Junction returns seven starters with the goal of using that experience to orchestrate a bounce-back season in 2022.
Aside from the seven starters returning, the Bulldogs bring back two more players with varsity experience and welcome a large group of underclassmen to the program for an infusion of youth that is expected to make an impact on varsity this season.
“Our numbers are good,” Carl Junction coach Ed Miller said. “We have 37 players out so far and 16 of those are freshmen. With those numbers it should provide us with a lot of competition for playing time and depth at multiple positions. With 16 freshmen, the future looks bright as well.”
Returning starters from last season for Carl Junction are senior fullback Jaydan Arzett, senior CM Carsten Bittner, senior FB Jaxon Blackford, senior F JT Foulk, senior FB Nevan Challenger, junior OM Quinn Vogel and sophomore CM Gavin Cowger. Also back at the varsity level are senior FB Jayden Wingo and senior FB Owen Numata.
“I think our midfield will be our strength this year because of the experience players in
those positions and the depth we have there,” Miller said. “We bring back 7 starters from last year and with the number of players we have this year, we feel that we will be more competitive night in and night out.”
New to varsity this year is junior MF Carter Gau, who played club soccer in Arkansas the past two seasons, senior MF Xavier Perkins, who is returning to soccer for his senior season, and junior MF Nolan Blackford. As Coach Miller noted, the Bulldogs also welcome several talented young players to the varsity level this season to help build the depth. Freshman Blake Miller is slated to be in goal this season and he is joined by freshman MF Nolan Couk and freshman FB Zack Teeter.
Carl Junction opens the season with a home match against Webb City on Aug. 30 before traveling to Parkview on Sept. 1.
“Coming together, trusting, and playing as a team,” Coach Miller said when asked what the keys to success will be for the Bulldogs this season. “We have to have players buying into their roles and responsibilities in the system of play on the field. Our motto has always been ‘play hard, score goals, and have fun’. If they can do that it will be a successful season for us as a team and them as individuals.”
