Countdown to Kickoff: Exciting High School Soccer Season Looms in Bryan-College Station

Countdown to Kickoff: Exciting Season Ahead for Bryan-College Station High School Soccer Teams

As the holiday hustle and bustle winds down in College Station, all eyes are shifting to the soccer fields where the boys’ high school teams are poised for an electrifying 2024-25 season. With teams from Bryan, A&M Consolidated, College Station, and Rudder gearing up, the excitement is palpable as they look to make their mark this year.

Vikings Looking for a Playoff Comeback

Starting off with the Bryan Vikings, Coach Carlos Luna has his sights set on a successful season. After a mixed bag last year, where the Vikings completed their season with a 5-6-1 district record, Luna and his team are eager to turn things around. “It seems like every other year we make the playoffs. If that pattern continues, we’re in for a great ride,” he joked.

This year, Bryan boasts a strong lineup of 12 seniors, including all-district stars like Jose Mendoza and Misael Andrade. Andrade, a two-year captain, is motivated to make a lasting legacy for the younger players. “He’s all about team success, and we couldn’t ask for a better leader,” Luna added.

The Vikings will kick off the season at the Huntsville Tournament from January 2-4, where they plan to bring their best game right from the start.

A&M Consolidated Tigers: Seeking to Repeat Success

Meanwhile, A&M Consolidated, coached by Jarrod Southern, is also eyeing another successful season. After winning District 21-5A last year with an impressive 10-1-3 record, the Tigers are itching to ask, “Can we do it again?” With a roster that includes a mix of experienced players and fresh faces, Southern feels confident moving forward.

After graduating 16 players, about half the current squad are newcomers eager to prove themselves. “We’re integrating around 12 new players into our lineup, so there’s a lot of work to do before district play,” Southern explained.

Key returnees, including goalie Ross Versari and all-district players Colton Chmelar and Joseph Perez, have their work cut out for them as they lead the charge. The Tigers’ first game at the Kilt Cup is on January 2 at noon, setting the stage for an exciting campaign.

College Station Cougars: The Pressure is On

Just down the road, the College Station Cougars are looking to build on last year’s success. After finishing with a solid 14-3-4 record, Coach Chad Peevey knows the importance of starting fresh. “Each season is a new journey; we can’t dwell on the highs or the lows of last year,” he said.

Key players include standout seniors Mason Green and Anthony Peacher. Together with newcomers like midfielder Ramon Ross, they aim to create a cohesive unit capable of dominating the field. The Cougars open their season at the Goose Creek Consolidated ISD Tournament against Galena Park on January 2.

Rudder Rangers: Aiming for the Playoffs

Lastly, the Rudder Rangers are poised for what they hope will be a transformative season under Coach James Davis. After finishing seventh in District 21-5A last year, they are hungry for a playoff berth. With a more balanced roster and key returning players like Christian Ocampo and Enrique Tirado-Lopez, the Rangers are optimistic about this upcoming season.

With the season opener against Willis on January 7 in sight, Davis is excited. “Last year, we had some great matches despite losing. This year, our goal is to turn those close calls into victories,” he mentioned.

The Excitement Builds

As the countdown begins, each team is working hard to sharpen their skills and build chemistry. The rivalry between these schools, combined with the excitement of a new season, will surely ignite the passion of players and fans alike. Whether you’re cheering for the Vikings, Tigers, Cougars, or Rangers, one thing is for sure: the fields of Bryan-College Station are going to be buzzing this January!