4B • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017
BOYS Name: Andrei Bajura School: Parkview Class: Senior Twitter handle: @ andrei_bajura College choice: Undecided Best Gwinnett soccer player other than me is: Parkview’s Rasid Jakupovic Favorite U.S. National Team player: Alex Morgan Favorite thing about soccer: The fans Song that gets me pumped up for a game: Every song of Taylor Swift Sport I’m best at besides soccer: Baseball Dream job: Teacher Favorite TV show: “South Park” Coach Danny Klinect’s take: “Despite having a nagging knee injury that cost Andrei half the season last year, he really put the team on his back, scoring five goals in five playoff games, including four game-winning goals. He is a dangerous 1 vs. 1 offensive player who was recently named to the Under-21 Moldovan National Team. He works hard and does extra sprints after practice. He’s a fun player to coach.” Name: Jason Chavez School: Mill Creek
Class AAAAAAA Archer Coach: Colin Connors 2016 record: 7-11 Returning starters: F Nick Pruehs, Sr.; MF Dylan Ward, Sr.; GK Zachary Hutzell, Soph.; MF Andy Villatoro, Sr.; MF Jairo Angulo, Sr.; F Andy Hernandez, Jr.; MF Chris Beal, Jr.; DEF Isaac Olusina, Sr. Other key players/newcomers: MF Santiago Baltazar, Soph.; MF Mateas Sanagua, Jr.; DEF Ricardo Juarez, Soph.; MF Russell Young, Fr.; MF Caleb Busboom, Fr. Outlook: After missing the playoffs last season, the Tigers will look to qualify for state under new head coach Colin Connors, a Parkview grad. Connors takes over a lineup with eight returning starters, including five seniors. Berkmar Coach: Tracy Crouch 2016 record: 9-8-1 Returning starters: F James Forester, Sr.; DEF Josymar Gomez, Sr.; DEF/MF Mario Gavarette, Sr.; F Guillermo Javier, Jr.; MF Nahun Trochez, Jr.; MF Zeeshan Chaudhary, Jr.; DEF Jesse Patino, Jr.; MF Hector Fuentes, Soph. Outlook: Berkmar lost seven games by a single goal last season, which led to missing the state playoffs. The Patriots have a good chance to return this year with a talented lineup led by dynamic forward Forester and versatile Gavarette. Brookwood Coach: Stephen George 2016 record: 15-4, state semifinals Returning starters: DEF Steve Rios, Sr.; MF Alex Rivera, Sr.; MF Michael Neacsu, Jr.; MF Angel Guevara, Jr. Other key players/newcomers: GK Dylan Vitovic, Sr.; F Chidi Okolo, Sr.; F Chris Pulido, Sr.; F Keanu Green, Sr.; MF Ben McKettrick, Jr.; MF Dylan Schefske, Jr.; DEF Teddy Bockhop, Jr. Outlook: Only a loss on penalty kicks in the state semifinals kept the Broncos from a state championship game matchup with rival Parkview. George, in his second season, returns a team that should be stout in the midfield with Rivera, Neacsu and Guevara. Rios will lead a typically tough Brookwood defense. Central Gwinnett Coach: Cory Morgan 2016 record: 11-8, first round of state playoffs Returning starters: DEF Eric Arevalo, Sr.; DEF Jovany Medina, Jr.; DEF Piero Aguirre, Sr.; DEF Obed Medina, Jr.; MF Joseph Foba, Sr. Other key players/newcomers: F Eric Garcia, Jr.; MF Milton Alfaro, Soph.; MF Jonathan Lamarre, Soph. Outlook: Central was disappointed with its playoff finish, but just reaching the postseason out of a difficult region was an accomplishment. The
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SUPER SIX SOCCER Class: Senior Twitter handle: @ jasonc_1 College choice: Undecided Best Gwinnett soccer player other than me is: Mill Creek’s Boland Lekeaka Favorite U.S. National Team player: Tim Howard Favorite thing about soccer: The passion Song that gets me pumped up for a game: “Slave” by Logic Sport I’m best at besides soccer: Beach volleyball Dream job: Software developer Favorite TV show: “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” Coach Brett Godwin’s take: “Jason has been a huge part of our past success, thanks to his experience and leadership. His calm demeanor and shot-stopping ability give us confidence every time he steps on the field. The level of confidence that he brings to the field allows him to command his box and it allows us to play our style of game as a team.” Name: Mario Gavarrete School: Berkmar Class: Senior Twitter handle: @gavarrete_ College choice: Undecided Best Gwinnett soccer
player other then me: Berkmar’s Nahun Trochez Favorite U.S. National Team player: Michael Bradley Favorite thing about soccer: Seeing the results of working hard pay off on the field Song that gets me pumped up before a game: “Good Drank” by 2 Chainz Sports I’m best at besides soccer: Badminton Dream job: Professional athlete Favorite TV show: “Vikings” Coach Tracy Crouch’s take: “Mario is the complete player. He is technically sound, hyper fit, he has true soccer intelligence, superb field vision and a relentless work rate. He is a soldier, not an artist. There is no question that he is a terrific player, but he is even better off the field and in the classroom. Mario is a pro-social person who truly cares about other people. He is a giver, not a taker. I don’t have any children of my own, but I would be honored to call Mario my son.” Name: Steve Rios School: Brookwood Class: Senior Twitter handle:
@Steve_ Rios9 College choice: Undecided Best Gwinnett soccer player other than me is: Brookwood’s Michael Neacsu Favorite U.S. National Team player: Michael Bradley Favorite thing about soccer: Freedom to play how you want and the bond between teammates Song that gets me pumped up for a game: Mr. Revillz playlist Sport I’m best at besides soccer: Football Dream job: Architect Favorite TV show: “Hawaii Five-0” Coach Stephen George’s take: “I am proud of Steve for being selected for this honor. Steve is a selfless teammate who moved from center midfield to center back last year to help us shore up our backline. He has since become a dominant center back for us. I value his commitment to doing, what is best for the team and his teammates respect his leadership and experience.” Name: Alex Rivera School: Brookwood Class: Senior Twitter handle: @RealAlexRivera
College choices: Georgia Southern, Fairleigh Dickinson, Spring Hill, Belmont Abbey Best Gwinnett soccer player other than me is: Joshua Sanchez Favorite U.S. National Team player: Walker Zimmerman Favorite thing about soccer: Shooting and megging players Song that gets me pumped up for a game: “Solid” by Duwap Kaine Sport I’m best at besides soccer: Basketball Dream job: Professional soccer player Favorite TV show: “Martin” Coach Stephen George’s take: “Alex is one of the most dedicated players that I have coached. I would seriously doubt that any other player in Gwinnett County has trained and trains more than Alex. His hard work has turned him into the impact player that he is today. I value the dedication and leadership he brings to the Brookwood soccer program.” Name: Jack Sweney School: Duluth Class: Senior Twitter handle: @jacksweney15 College choice: Hamp-
den-Sydney Best Gwinnett soccer player other than me is: Duluth’s David Park Favorite U.S. National Team player: Deandre Yedlin Favorite thing about soccer: Defending Song that gets me pumped up for a game: None really Sport I’m best at other than soccer: Swimming Dream job: Own a sports franchise Favorite TV show: “Prison Break” Coach Adel Mohsen’s take: “Jack is an extremely versatile player that can play anywhere on the pitch. He has a tremendous work rate and sets the standard for everyone else on the team. He is technically gifted and has no problem, or lack of confidence, taking players on or winning the ball. Jack is also a great student who is constantly looking to be challenged. As a sophomore, Jack was an important part of our championship run in 2015. I’m looking to him to be that leader again for us this year. I wish Jack the best as he looks to further his playing experience at Hampden-Sydney College.”
2017 BOYS SOCCER TEAM PREVIEWS Black Knights want to fare better this season, building around a veteran defense with Arevalo, Medina, Aguirre and Medina. Collins Hill Coach: Mike Burrell 2016 record: 6-11-1 Returning starters: MF Renzo Cattaneo, Sr.; DEF Marco Suarez, Soph.; MF Amar Meskovic, Sr.; DEF Armon Glenn, Jr. Other key players/newcomers: MF Brian Alcantar, Soph.; F George Perez, Sr.; F Tino Makina, Sr.; DEF Arman Turkovic, Jr.; DEF Andrew Fancher, Sr.; Yohance Brodie, Jr.; Myles Williams, Jr.; Erick Campistrano, Jr.; Brooks Hoover, Soph.; Simon Mihathirath, Soph.; William Reyes, Soph.; Sebastian LaCava, Soph.; Pierre Brodie, Soph.; Roland Szabo, Soph.; Alan Cruz, Fr. Outlook: The Eagles will have plenty of new faces in the lineup this season with just four returning starters, but they have some promising players ready for their turns. Discovery Coach: Jason Hall 2016 record: 7-10-1 Returning starters: MF Julio Jasso, Soph.; MF Diego Plascencia, Sr.; DEF Alex Drazic, Soph.; DEF Pablo Lopez, Sr.; F Aadil Esmail, Jr. Outlook: Discovery looks to be competitive again after a solid debut season. A tough region schedule will challenge the Titans. Duluth Coach: Adel Mohsen 2016 record: 13-5-1, state quarterfinals Key players: DEF Jack Sweney, Sr.; DEF Jack Baird, Jr.; DEF Jesus Chairez, Jr.; MF Aden Ali, Sr.; F David Park, Sr.; F Eduardo Fragoso, Sr.; F Rodrigo Ayala, Jr.; MF Charlie Chiche, Jr.; DEF Adam Berdo, Sr.; MF Mikaele Blakely; MF Mike Logo Outlook: Duluth had an impressive 2016 season, which came on the heels of a 2015 state championship. Some veteran players return to the lineup, including key seniors like Sweney and Ali, who started on the state title team.
Returning starters: MF Henry Benavides, Sr.; MF Steve Ramirez, Sr.; MF Jonathan Santos, Jr.; GK Gerardo Casillas-Fierro, Sr.; GK Jose Alvarado, Sr. Other key players/newcomers: DEF Roberto Torres, Sr.; MF Antonio Tello, Sr.; F Eric Dubon, Soph.; F Fabian Rivas, Soph.; MF Oscar Lozano, Jr. Outlook: Despite a winning record, the Mustangs missed out on the playoffs last year. A lineup of new faces hopes to get Meadowcreek back there this spring. Mill Creek Coach: Brett Godwin 2016 record: 15-3, first round of state playoffs Returning starters: GK Jason Chavez, Sr.; DEF Jordan Ashwood, Sr.; MF David Quiceno, Sr.; F Zack Ernst, Jr.; DEF Jason Arceneaux, Sr.; F Boland Lekeaka, Soph. Other key players/newcomers: DEF Drew Miller, Sr.; MF Josiah Ortiz, Soph.; GK Matt Campbell, Jr.; DEF Alex Locicero, Jr.; DEF Thomas Costa, Sr.; DEF Robert Young, Sr. Outlook: After a dominant regular season, Mill Creek suffered a devastating firstround loss in the playoffs after blowing a big lead. Six players with starting experience remember that painful finish, and aim to make a deeper postseason run this year. Mountain View Coach: Shane Pulliam 2016 record: 0-16 Returning starters: DEF Steve Gonzalez, Soph.; DEF Camden Drouault, Soph.; MF Chandler Evans, Soph.; MF Carlos Ayala Viera, Jr.; MF Perez Tamfu, Jr.; F Erick Zuniga, Jr. Other key players/newcomers: MF Amir Dehghani, Jr.; F Diego Belis, Sr.; F Alex Cuevas, Jr.; F David Garzon, Soph.; F Raphael Mospanyuk, Soph.; DEF Aleks Harris, Fr.; F Gabriel Alinovi, Fr. Outlook: Rebuilding was the theme last season, Pulliam’s first with the program. The Bears should be greatly improved this season with goals to challenge for the playoffs out of a tough region.
Grayson Coach: Lee Duggan 2016 record: 10-6, first round of state playoffs Returning starters: F Austin Casbarro, Sr.; F Thomas Judge, Sr.; F Solomon Kolawole, Sr.; MF Ernard Jaganjac, Sr.; MF Zeki Berhanu, Sr.; MF Jonathan Vargas, Sr.; DEF Joey Lieto, Jr.; DEF Jack Moynihan, Jr.; DEF Michael Mandujano, Soph. Outlook: Duggan’s first year was a success as he led the Rams to the state playoffs. That’s the goal again this season with nine returning starters, six of them seniors.
Norcross Coach: Frank Pitt 2016 record: 13-4-1, second round of state playoffs Returning starters: GK Fabricio Verdun, Sr.; DEF Jack Sutton, Jr.; DEF Hector Peralta, Jr.; MF Alexis Garcia, Jr.; MF Gibou George, Jr.; MF Divin Moke, Sr. Other key players/newcomers: MF Sebastian Gomez, Sr.; MF John Soto, Jr. Outlook: The Blue Devils were one of the best teams in a difficult region in 2016, reaching the second round of the state playoffs. They figure to be in the playoff mix again with six returning starters, though they have no forwards back from a season ago.
Meadowcreek Coach: Tyler LaFleur 2016 record: 10-6
North Gwinnett Coach: Brett Wooten 2016 record: 7-10
Returning starters: MF A.J. Morgado, Sr.; F Harrison Pinkerton, Sr.; DEF Michael Walsh, Soph.; DEF Daniel Kim, Jr.; DEF Vincent Matthee, Jr.; MF Nick Moring, Jr. Other key players/newcomers: MF Mateo Mejia, Soph.; MF Marvin Rodas, Fr.; MF Chris Shelton, Soph.; GK Nick Williams, Jr.; GK Benjamin Brink, Fr. Outlook: Wooten takes over as the Bulldogs’ new coach, inheriting six returning starters. North has been competitive in its recent history, so fighting for a playoff bid is the expectation. Parkview Coach: Danny Klinect 2016 record: 19-4, state champions Returning starters: F Andrei Bajura, Sr. Other key players/newcomers: MF Alec Leake, Soph.; F Rasid Jakupovic, Sr.; MF Carlos Valenciano, Jr.; GK Max Carlson, Jr.; GK J.T. Amaya, Sr.; DEF Ian Finlayson, Sr.; DEF Zorah Iriemi, Sr. Outlook: The defending state champions were gutted by both graduation — losing six seniors (five who started) — and the Atlanta United Developmental Academy, which took five Panthers who would have been returning starters this spring. Klinect is still encouraged by his returning group, which will rely heavily on dangerous striker Bajura. Peachtree Ridge Coach: Ryan Sutton 2016 record: 10-8-1, first round of state playoffs Returning starters: GK Arish Nurani, Sr.; MF Christian Augmon, Sr.; DEF Joel Gabriel, Jr.; DEF Sandro Alvarez, Sr.; MF James Kim, Sr.; F Carlos Herrera, Sr.; MF Nicolas Quiroga, Sr.; MF Rodrigo Tosaki, Sr.; MF James Williams, Soph. Other key players/newcomers: GK Paarth Desai, Soph.; DEF Cameron Shephard, Jr.; F Alan Espinosa, Jr.; MF Dalton Seckinger, Jr.; MF Jack Fitton, Sr.; MF Carlos Gil, Jr.; F Matthew Hammett, Jr.; F Mason McMullan, Soph.; MF David Chung, Jr.; MF Daniel Santoyo, Soph.; DEF Bayo Bello, Sr. Outlook: Peachtree Ridge made the state playoffs and lost in the first round, but optimism is high for a better finish and a region title this season. A huge positive sign is a veteran team back with nine returning starters, led by all-region picks Nurani, Herrera and Alvarez. Shiloh Coach: Jim Crase 2016 record: 5-12 Returning starters: F Abi Getachew, Sr.; DEF Deshaun Johnson, Sr.; MF Ian Gomez, Jr.; MF Marcus Lee, Jr.; MF Micah Nguyen, Soph.; MF Bryan Urvina, Jr. Other key players/newcomers: DEF Christian Valencia, Sr.; MF Zuri Fuller, Sr.; F Jorge Quiquivix, Soph.; F Adali Jarquin, Jr. Outlook: The Generals
return six starters and some good talent that is new to the lineup, which should have them battling for a playoff berth. South Gwinnett Coach: Brian Emsley 2016 record: 9-6 Returning starters: MF Eric Pina, Jr.; DEF Christian Romero, Jr.; F Raymond Aibangbee, Sr.; MF Julian Cuenca, Soph.; MF Cesar Soto, Soph.; DEF Dillon Crafton, Jr. Other key players/newcomers: GK Sebastian Farias, Fr.; MF David Ochoa Flores, Jr.; DEF Axel Andrade, Fr.; MF Anthony Sumo, Sr.; DEF Brandon Parker, Sr.; DEF Gian Myers, Sr. Outlook: A winning record didn’t end in a state playoff bid, so that’s the mission this spring for South and its six returning starters. Class AAAAAA Dacula Coach: Jason Guzzardo 2016 record: 6-11-1 Returning starters: DEF Mario Flamenco, Sr.; F/ MF Phillip Hoke, Sr.; F/MF Rashan Martin, Sr.; F/DEF Payton Rawson, Jr.; MF Eddu Solorzano, Jr.; ; DEF Rosendo Romo, Jr.; MF Armando Caceres, Jr.; DEF/MF Claudiu Coliba, Jr. Other key players/newcomers: MF Christian Osorto, Jr.; DEF Donivan Daniel, Sr.; DEF/F George Olujuyigbe, Sr.; Erik Carbajal, Soph.; GK Aidan Weathers, Jr. Outlook: A different region will give the Falcons a better chance at the postseason, as will eight returning starters. That group includes some talented seniors and junior standout Rawson. Lanier Coach: John Schaefer 2016 record: 12-5-2, first round of state playoffs Returning starters: MF Bryant Morales, Sr.; MF Rodrigo Calderon, Jr. Outlook: Lanier won its region last season, but graduated eight senior starters. The young Longhorns still have high hopes, though they will move forward with a young roster that features just three seniors. Class AAAAA Buford Coach: Mark Freeman 2016 record: 12-6-2, state semifinals Returning starters: MF Miguel Burgos, Sr.; MF Mario Ventura, Soph.; DEF Brian Sullivan, Sr.; DEF Evan Sampers, Jr.; DEF Leonel Solis, Sr.; F Fredy Benitez, Sr.; F Brayan Ruiz, Soph. Outlook: Freeman takes over a team that fared well in 2016, reaching the state Final Four. Seven Wolves starters are back from that team. Class AAA Greater Atlanta Christian Coach: Thom Jacquet 2016 record: 14-7-1, state semifinals Returning starters: GK An-
gello Lazar, Sr.; MF Connor Castleberry, Sr.; MF Oscar Vanegas, Jr.; DEF Chris Barbieri, Soph.; F Jack Jacquet, Soph.; DEF Trey Kenworthy, Soph. Other key players/newcomers: DEF Nico Tine, Jr.; DEF Spencer Yates, Jr.; DEF Mario Asiain-Ayala, Fr.; F Mekhi Royes, Fr.; MF Chris Scheipe, Fr.; MF Nicolas Veltmaat, Fr.; MF T.J. Tracy, Fr. Outlook: GAC has one of the better goalkeepers to build around in Angello Lazar. The Spartans should be strong defensively as usual, but need to be more productive offensively this season. Class A Hebron Coach: Sean Garnett 2016 record: 10-6-2, second round of state playoffs Returning starters: GK Tyler Kasten, Soph.; DEF Zach Queen, Soph.; DEF Bryce Butler, Sr.; DEF Ethan Farmer, Sr.; DEF/MF Josh Meek, Sr.; DEF/MF Cam Hall, Sr.; MF Kyle Garnett, Soph.; MF Matthew Meek, Jr.; MF John McMillan, Sr.; F Jake Major, Sr. Other key players/newcomers: DEF Jack Goldschmidt, Fr.; MF Isaac Bender, Jr. Outlook: Hebron has been one of the better teams in Class A in recent seasons, and that shouldn’t change this season with 10 starters returning from a state playoff team. Providence Coach: Todd Henry 2016 record: 6-11, first round of state playoffs Returning starters: MF Elijah Burnett, Jr.; DEF Nick Chung, Jr.; F Ulises Gonzalez, Jr.; F Henry Kim, Jr.; DEF Kevin Mercado, Jr.; MF Carter Swain, Jr.; MF Camden Warner, Jr.; MF Sam Burnette, Soph.; DEF Shane Holyoak, Soph.; GK Joshua Jones, Soph. Other key players/newcomers: DEF Jakob Lindskoog, Soph.; MF Chris Todd, Soph.; MF Joseph Moussakhani, Fr.; MF Luke Bradberry, Fr. Outlook: Providence expects to fight for a playoff berth again thanks to 10 returning starters from a team that qualified last season. Wesleyan Coach: Billy Coxhead 2016 record: 22-0-1, state champions Returning starters: F Nick Eversbusch, Sr.; F Abraham Lopez, Jr.; MF Bryce Cook, Sr.; DEF Kris Moratti, Sr.; DEF William Delk, Sr.; DEF Mitchell Robinson, Sr.; MF Liam Coxhead, Soph. Other key players/newcomers: DEF/MF Alex Turner, Sr.; GK Mateo Rengifo, Jr.; MF Jonathan Lopez, Fr.; MF Javy Martinez, Fr. Outlook: Wesleyan had a dominant 2016 season, going unbeaten on the way to the Class AA title. Dropping down a classification, the Wolves again figure to be one of the state’s best, despite graduating some key players.