PALO ALTO HIGH SCHOOL
WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW 2008-2009
BOYS’
SOCCER
A
fter two consecutive losses in the Division II CCS championship game in as many years, the Palo Alto High School boys’ soccer team looks to finally take home the championship this season. With a returning line-up that almost mirrors that of last season, the team has oriented its goals towards winning the CCS championship. “I want to get back to the CCS championships and finally win leagues,” senior midfielder Michael Hanabusa said.
STAr WATCH Kevin Ashworth
-SeNiOR MiDfieLDeR-
After an incredible first season, earning the prestigious awards of First Team All-League as well as Co-Offensive Player of the Year, senior Kevin Ashworth looks to have an even more successful season. In his first year playing for Palo Alto High School, Ashworth scored a respectable 9 goals in league play, and helped the Vikings reach the CCS championship game. This year, he and the rest of the team aspire to return to the championship game, and this time win it. “We definitely have a good chance this year because we have so many returning starters,” Ashworth said. “We have a really good midfield with me, Adam [Zernik], Michael [Hanabusa], and Jenner [Fox].” However, in order to accomplish all that they did last year, and hopefully more, Ashworth feels like there are still things that the team, as well as himself, can work on. “This year, I really want to work on teamwork,” he said. “Last year there was a lot of individuals, but this year I definitely want to help us play more as a team.”
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THErUNDOWN COACH: Don Briggs 07-08 LEAGUE FINISH: 2nd 07-08 CCS FINISH: finals RETURNING STARTERS: 8
This year’s team is filled with playoff experience, as it has a group of juniors and seniors that have been on the team in previous years. “We have almost the exact same line-up as last year, so we definitely have the experience we need,” senior fullback John Christopherson said. The team is looking forward to the continued improvement of chemistry between Hanabusa and senior Kevin Ashworth, who joined the team last year as juniors and were integral to its success. After a solid first season, look for the powerful tandem to have an even greater effect on the team. Along with Hanabusa and Ashworth are two other experienced center midfielders: senior second year captain Adam Zernik and junior Jenner Fox. Together, they should supply the team with a powerful at- HOPS The team practices corner kicks before its first preseason game against Mountain View high school. tack through the middle. “We definitely have the best midfielders in the entire league,” senior goalie Peter Johnson said. “But we lack outside midfielder Greg Stewart said. that one player who can just provide that As well as winning the championship spark and score goals.” game this year, the team also strives to deThe Viking’s hope to find that spark in feat their league rival Los Gatos, who has juniors Spencer Sims and John Anderton, beaten Palo Alto in its last four matches. or sophomore Ricky Minno this season. However, in order to defeat Los Gatos “We’re looking for them [Sims, Anderthis year, the team will need to focus on ton, Minno] to step up and take a leaderits offensive side of the game more. The ship role for next year, and realize that they team is strong defensively, with sopho- too can contribute even though they’re not more Rily Smith, junior Ryan Holland and seniors,” Hanabusa said. Christopherson. However, the team lacks a With the experience of the returning powerful goal scorer who can help put the players, as well as the solid new underteam on the score board. classmen prospects, the Vikings aspire to “We have a really strong defense and finally become CCS champions. midfield, which is always good,” senior -Matthew Tracy