The 2017-18 MHSAA soccer season is on the horizon. Here is a preview of the South Jones girls and boys soccer teams.
South Jones Girls
Head Coach: Tony Buckley
Previous Year Record: 13-4-2 (overall); 5-1 (Region 5-4A)
First Game: vs. Northwest Rankin on November 4 at 9 a.m.
Key Players: Sumer Boyette, Brianna Grey, Madison Diers, Delaney Cooley, Darby Cooley
What coach had to say:
“We’ll be a young team this year, but we will also be skillful and fast. We have several eight-graders starting for us, which is something I am excited about. We will spearhead those at the top. I think we’re going to be stronger in the back this year also, along with some speed.
“Our key concern will be our midfield. We will be strong up top and strong in the back, but as you know in soccer, you have to be strong in the middle. If our middle can stay healthy, we could go far. But if we have injuries – or aggravations to injuries – in the middle then it could be a shorter season.
“Some of our players to watch will be Sumer Boyette and Brianna Grey [our other forward]. They both complement each other. Boyette is short and can cut, dribble and shoot, and Brianna is taller, faster and more direct. So, the two together can work well for us.
“At the back, Madison Diers and Delaney Cooley will be outstanding. At midfield, Darby Cooley will be someone to watch for. She can pass the ball well when healthy.
“Overall, we’re looking forward to the season.”
South Jones Boys
Head Coach: Jordan Hamilton
Previous Year Record: 13-6-1 (overall); 6-0 (Region 5-4A)
First Game: vs. Poplarville on November 4 at 11:30 a.m.
Key Players: Kenner Zadrozny, Mark Diers, Ray Ramos, Tyler Ducksworth
What coach had to say:
“We’ve lost a lot of players from last year [to graduation], but I believe will grow in other ways. This year we have an actual JV team and an actual varsity team, which is different for us because normally we pile everyone up on our varsity team.
“This year I feel we will be stronger in the midfield because we have some older players [in those positions]. Now, we don’t have a big scorer like we did last year. That is one of the big things we lost. But I believe we have some players coming up that might be able to fill those gaps for us.
“Kenner Zadrozny is one of our game-changers this year. He played a lot last year, and he will be playing center-back for us again this year. He is a solid player. Mark Diers is also a center-back, and he too is a game-changer.
“Other guys coming back are Ray Ramos and Tyler Ducksworth. Tyler’s abilities have grown a lot from last year to this year. He has the potential to be a game-changer as well. He’s vision [on the field] has improved. He brings an element to his position (outside wing). He’s strong, fast and quick, and he handles the ball well.
“I’m interested in seeing how the season plays out.”
