Search
Close this search box.
Latest Scores:
High School Football, Week 2 --- THURSDAY, AUG. 28 --- Lehighton at Bangor, 7 p.m. .... FRIDAY, AUG. 29 --- Pottsville at Jim Thorpe (WPPA), 7 p.m. .... Tri-Valley at Marian (T-102), 7 p.m. .... Blue Mountain at Southern Lehigh, 7 p.m. .... Tamaqua at North Schuylkill, 7 p.m. .... Williams Valley at Mahanoy Area, 7 p.m. .... Shenandoah Valley at Minersville, 7 p.m. .... Schuylkill Haven at Panther Valley, 7 p.m. .... Nativity at Pine Grove, 7 p.m.
Search
Close this search box.

HS Boys’ Soccer: Blue Mountain looks to fend off Schuylkill League challengers

img_0981

The Schuylkill League champion Blue Mountain boys' soccer team had a lot to celebrate during the 2024 season. (Photo by Justin Reed / Skook News)

The more things change, the more they stay the same in Schuylkill League boys’ soccer.

In 2024, for the fifth straight season, Blue Mountain captured Schuylkill League gold with a 3-1 victory over Pine Grove. The championship marked the 21st overall in program history.

Expect the Eagles to rank among the league elite again this season. Blue Mountain graduated top scorer Shawn Batory, an All-State midfielder who tallied 29 goals and 24 assists last season, and all-league defender Owen Gretsky. Still, the Eagles welcome back eight returning players who will bolster all levels of the lineup and have a 32-player roster to build depth.

Blue Mountain’s Dylan Knittle, right, and Shenandoah Valley’s Dante Garcia battle for the ball during a Schuylkill League boys’ soccer semifinal at the Eagles’ Nest. The Eagles beat the Devils 1-0 (Photo by Justin Reed / Skook News).

 

Junior midfielder Dylan Knittle (19 goals) and senior forward Drew Waschko (14 goals) spark the offense, while sophomore midfielder Blake Batory and junior midfielder Evan Burcik are the team’s returning assist leaders. Seniors Robert Bowitz and Sean Gaddy anchor the defense, and junior goalkeeper Caden “Chewy” Wargo delivered 11 shutouts a year ago.

“We’re looking to build on the positive momentum from the second half of the 2024 season and are working hard to achieve great things in 2025,” Blue Mountain coach Chris Brauer said.

In Division I, Schuylkill League runner-up Pine Grove and Schuylkill League semifinalist North Schuylkill appear to be Blue Mountain’s main challengers.

The Cardinals had heavy graduation losses, but they’re another program that tends to reload on a consistent basis. Senior goalkeeper Peyton Renninger, senior midfielder Tanner Kolb and senior forward Dane Hannevig provide leadership, while junior midfielder Ian Brown and sophomore defender Terrin Witmer return as well.

“The team has been working hard and works well together,” Pine Grove coach Marvin Weber said. “Our goal is to be competitive every game and keep growing and improving. … To be successful, our young and inexperienced players are going to have to make the adjustment quickly. We need our core players to be leaders and lead by example. They need to set the tone for our team.”

North Schuylkill is coming off a 12-9 season in which the Spartans qualified for leagues and districts. They beat Schuylkill Haven in the league quarterfinals, then fell to Pine Grove 2-1 in overtime in the semifinals. In districts, Shenandoah Valley prevailed 1-0. North Schuylkill returns eight players, including senior Max Helwig, a second-team Schuylkill League All-Star, as the program aims to take the next step come playoff time.

“We’re looking to compete for a playoff spot in the Schuylkill League and in District 11,” North Schuylkill coach Jarrid Todd said. “We’re young in some key spots, but our young players arse very talented and ready to step up to the challenge as they are led by a core group of juniors and seniors.”

Pottsville returns seven starters, plus seven others with varsity experience, as the Crimson Tide hope to return to their winning ways. The goal is to make their first playoff appearance since capturing the league title in 2017.

“The program’s combination of seasoned veterans and battle-tested role players gives (us) the balance needed to compete at a high level,” Pottsville coach Zach Reichert said. “If the offseason gains translate onto the field, this group has the potential to re-establish itself as a postseason contender and reignite the winning tradition.”

In Division II, Shenandoah Valley rose to the top last season, but the Blue Devils suffered major graduation losses. Minersville, Schuylkill Haven, Tri-Valley and Williams Valley join Shenandoah Valley in a five-team battle for three Schuylkill League playoff spots.

The Blue Devils posted an 18-3 record, winning the Schuylkill League Division II championship and falling 1-0 to Blue Mountain in the league semifinals. In districts, Shenandoah Valley defeated North Schuylkill in the Class AA quarterfinals before bowing out 4-1 to Notre Dame-Green Pond in the semifinals. With 12 seniors lost to graduation, the Devils won’t have the depth they had last season. Schuylkill League Division II First-Team goalkeeper Caleb Campos and second-team midfielder and captain Antonio Ruiz lead the way.

“Our goal is to be competitive and repeat as Schuylkill League Division II champions,” Shenandoah Valley coach John Burke said. “Our ability to maintain possession and our team chemistry will once again be a strength for us.”

District 11 Class A champion Schuylkill Haven graduated six starters and its top bench player, so there will be holes to fill from a team that fell to Masterman in the first round of the PIAA Tournament. Junior Grayson Fessler and sophomore L.J. Ulsh will patrol the midfield and be the Hurricanes’ offensive leaders. Senior Daniel Fanelli, junior Landon Trostle and sophomore Greyson Murphy will make up much of the defense.

“At minimum, our goal will remain the same as last year, and that’s to win games and carry ourselves with respect as we represent the awesome community of Schuylkill Haven,” Hurricanes coach Gary Hess said. “If we play to our potential and stick together with the common goal of success, it may turn out to be another exciting year for Hurricane soccer fans. As the great philosopher Vanco Georgevic once said, ‘As a TEAM — Together Everyone Achieves More.’ ”

Minersville’s Jordan Bowers, right, scored all three of his team’s goals in a 3-2 win over Williams Valley in a District 11 Class A boys’ soccer quarterfinal at North Schuylkill High School in 2024. (Photo by Kelly Wiley)

One team that didn’t lose players to graduation is Minersville. The Battlin’ Miners, in their second season back as a boys’ soccer program, went 11-9 last season, defeating Williams Valley in the District 11 Class A quarterfinals, then falling to runner-up Tri-Valley in the semifinals. The Miners didn’t have any seniors in 2024 and list 15 returning players. Junior Jordan Bowers, who led the team with 36 goals and 11 assists, sparks the offense.

Minersville coach Ed Burke said the team’s goals are to compete for the Division II title, qualify for the Schuylkill League playoffs and battle for its first-ever league and first-ever district crowns.

With six seniors among eight returning letterwinners, Williams Valley will look to join the conversation in the division race. The Vikings have a balanced offense but not much depth.

“Something our teams of the past were known for was toughness,” Williams Valley coach Seth Shuey said. “If our guys can form a tough mentality, we should be able to hang with most of the teams in our division. If we can stay healthy, and the kids continue to buy in, we feel we will be able to steal a few matches and get into the District 11 playoffs once again. We have a monumental task on our hands, but there is a possibility for us to surprise some teams.”

Schuylkill League qualifier and District 11 Class A runner-up Tri-Valley fell 4-2 in penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw with Schuylkill Haven in the championship match. The Bulldogs return eight players from that squad, including seniors Brayden Leese (GK), Cash Lucas (D) and Garett Leitzel (MF).

“We have a group of special guys,” Tri-Valley coach Phil Barry said. “Hunger and determination — From the second we lost last year, we focused on that (goal) again.”

 

Schuylkill League Boys’ Soccer Preview Capsules

DIVISION I

Blue Mountain

Head coach: Chris Brauer (7th season)

Last year: 15-6-1, 10-1-1 D-I. Schuylkill League champion, District 11 Class 3A semifinalist

Returnees: Drew Waschko (sr., F), Sean Gaddy (sr., D), Robert Bowitz (sr., D), Evan Burcik (jr., MF), Dylan Knittle (jr., MF), Aidan Varney (jr., MF), Caden “Chewy” Wargo (jr., GK), Blake Batory (soph., MF-F)

Newcomers: Hayden Freed (jr., MF), Troy Mady (jr., D), Noah James (jr.), Jonas Smith (jr., MF), Carter Jones (soph., MF), Luke Grasso (soph., F), Keenan Hall (soph., F)

Outlook: Though Blue Mountain graduated its top scorer, the Eagles could be more explosive as a team this season. Eight returning starters give the Eagles a strong core to build around as they challenge for Division I, Schuylkill League and District 11 honors.

Lourdes

Head coach: Tommy Kodack (2nd season)

Last year: 8-8-3, 4-5-3 D-I. Lost to Milton 4-0 in first round of District 4 Class AA playoffs.

Returnees: Brody Brinkash (sr., MF), Majed Kanafani (sr., MF), Connor Ryan (sr., D), Sam Schauer (sr., MF), Josh Miller (jr., MF)

Newcomers: Gabe Palmer (sr., D), Evan Bossler (sr., D), Donovan Heller (sr., D), Jameson Bednar (jr., MF), Braydon Madden (jr., D), Nathan Yablonski (jr., GK), Cru Kodack (soph., F), Sullivan Burns (soph., MF), Noah Wess (soph., F), Simar Singh (soph., MF), Orrin Mariano (fr., G)

Outlook: Hit hard by graduation, Red Raiders return five starters. They do have the opportunity to build depth as 28 players are listed on the varsity roster. How quickly the newcomers adjust to the varsity level in a rugged division will determine Lourdes’ fortunes. Being more competitive in the league and qualifying for districts are realistic goals.

Marian

Head coach: Joe Tracy (4th season)

Last year: 3-16-1, 1-8 D-I

Returnees: Logan Aneskevich (sr.), Edison Mitchell (sr.), Darren Paulino (sr.), Coal Romanchik (jr.), Chase Haubner (soph.), Nick Ramirez (soph.)

Newcomers: Yanzhel Flores (jr.), Cayden Campomizzi (soph.), Damien Gall (fr.), Isa Gjoca (fr.), Alexander Stoves (fr.), Thomas Sypeck (fr.)

Outlook: Young program just building up, but talent level overall is growing. Colts may surprise. Approaching .500 is a realistic goal.

North Schuylkill

Head coach: Jarrid Todd

Last year: 12-9. Schuylkill League semifinalist, District 11 Class AA quarterfinalist

Returnees: Max Helwig (sr.), Aaron Brayford (sr.), Noah James (sr.), Wyatt Zendrosky (sr.), Zack Marcinowski (sr.), Fabrizio J. Manganiello (jr.), Wesley Urban (jr.), Colton Hartman (jr.), Evan Damiter (soph.)

Newcomers: Evan Wagner (sr.), Brenden Yotko (fr.), Ayden Smolock (fr.), Braiden Davis (fr.)

Outlook: Though hit hard by graduation and a season-ending injury, the Spartans have enough experience and firepower to challenge for spots in the Schuylkill League and District 11 playoffs.

Pine Grove

Head coach: Marvin Weber (6th season)

Last year: 14-5-2, 10-0-2 D-I. Division I champion, Schuylkill League runner-up, District 11 Class AA quarterfinalist

Returnees: Peyton Renninger (sr., GK), Tanner Kolb (sr., MF), Dane Hannevig (sr., F), Ian Brown (jr., MF), Terrin Witmer (soph., D)

Newcomers: Kolden Smeltz (sr., MF), Brady Gehres (sr., F), Adam Kassab (sr., MF), Devin Williams (sr., F), Quentin Umbenhauer (sr., F), Quincy Allen (jr., MF), Travis Reichert (jr., D), Drew Ney (jr., MF), Kaleb Boyer (soph., D), Grayling Kimmel (soph., D), Dru Herber (soph., GK), Gustavo Antonio (soph., F)

Outlook: Lost seven starters to graduation, so Cardinals have some holes to fill. Will need to mesh experienced leadership with young talent. Goals are to be competitive, keep improving and challenge for a league playoff spot.

Pottsville

Head coach: Zach Reichert (6th season)

Last year: 3-14-1

Returnees: Juan Moreno (F), Jayden Hossler (MF), William Davis (MF), Brogan Rooney (MF), Chase Williams (MF), Ty Karkanica (D), Brody Hess (D)

Newcomers: Beckett Teresavage (sr., D), Chase Morris (jr., MF), Chase Richter (soph., MF), Quincey Clews (soph., D), Landon Trout (soph., MF), Austin Strokelitus (soph., D)

Outlook: With seven returning starters and seven more who logged varsity minutes, the Crimson Tide are primed to take a big step forward. Re-establishing itself as a postseason contender and reigniting the program’s winning tradition are realistic goals.

Tamaqua

Head coach: Jim McCabe

Last year: 3-14-1

Returnees: Larson Hudak (sr., D), Chase Behr (sr., MF), Thomas Graham (sr., MF), Will Behun (sr., D), Jakin Tamagini (jr., GK-MF), Aidan Elston (soph., MF), Josh Hadesty (soph., D),

Newcomers: J.J. Kovatch (fr., GK-D), Bryce Eltringham (fr., D-MF), Wyatt Devlin (fr., D), Brayden Honey (fr., GK-D), Brody Boyle (fr., D), Jaedon Vidzicki (fr., MF)

Outlook: Good mix of experience and talented freshmen on a huge 30-player roster. Blue Raiders could take a step forward this season and be much more competitive in the league. Goal is to get 1 percent better every day.

DIVISION II

Minersville

Head coach: Ed Burke (2nd season, 9th overall)

Last year: 11-9 (1st season Minersville had boys’ soccer back after being in a co-op). District 11 Class A semifinalist

Returnees: Shane Fessler (sr., D-MF-F), Dylan Haslam (sr., D), Johnny Burgess (jr., D), Chase Zimerofsky (jr., F-MF), Cam Rogers (jr., MF-F), Jordan Bowers (jr., MF-F-D), Aidan Ryan (jr., MF), Dakota Dullard (jr., D-GK), Dylan Blood (jr., D), Daniel Schultz (jr., MF-F), Pierce Eichenberg (jr., F), Zach Seddon (soph., F-MF), Jack Purcell (soph., F-MF), Evan Handling (soph., F-MF), Robert McGrath (soph., GK-F-MF)

Newcomers: Collin Kadingo (fr., MF-F), MacKaiden Sinko (fr., MF-D-F), Alejandro Richard (fr., F), Landon Govern (fr., D-MF-F)

Outlook: Young team that didn’t lose any players to graduation, the Miners look to take the next step in their second year back as a varsity program. Could challenge for Schuylkill League playoff berth and perhaps the division title. A team on the rise.

Schuylkill Haven

Head coach: Gary Hess (2nd season, 18th overall)

Last year: 15-7. Schuylkill League quarterfinalist, District 11 Class A champion, PIAA Class A round of 16 qualifier

Returnees: Daniel Fanelli (sr., D), Matt Angelo (sr.), Alex Koch (sr.), Bruce Stine (sr.), James Villella (sr.), Grayson Fessler (jr., D), Landon Trostle (jr., D), Greyson Murphy (soph., MF), L.J. Ulsh (soph., MF)

Newcomers: Didn’t submit names but report a large group of freshmen and sophomores, some who are ready to make an impact and others who are close.

Outlook: Losing six starters and the first player off the bench to graduation, Haven has some spots to fill. Still, they usually reload instead of rebuild, and look for that kind of transition this season. If they improve throughout the season, the Hurricanes can challenge for a league playoff spot and be a factor in districts.

Shenandoah Valley

Head coach: John Burke (3rd season)

Last year: 18-3. Division II champion, Schuylkill League semifinalist, District 11 Class AA semifinalist

Returnees: Antonio Ruiz (sr., MF), Derik Silva (sr., F), Chris Meza (sr., D-MF), Kevin Gasca (sr., MF-F), Carlos Meza (jr., D-MF), Daniel Yisrael (sr., D), Caleb Campos (soph., GK)

Newcomers: Freddy Gradwell (jr., MF), Anders Ryon (soph., MF), Jozel Solano (soph., D), Jesus Chagolla (fr., D), Jaiden Pantoja (fr., D-MF), Armando Porfirio (fr., MF)

Outlook: Coming off banner season, Blue Devils regroup after graduating 12 players and losing another to injury. Still, they have enough talent to challenge in the division. Depth is a concern, so staying healthy is key. Will need some scorers to step up to reach potential.

Tri-Valley

Head coach: Phil Barry (13th season, 24th overall)

Last year: 12-8-1. Schuylkill League quarterfinalist, District 11 Class A runner-up

Returnees: Brayden Leese (sr., GK-MF), Cash Lucas (sr., D), Garett Leitzel (sr., MF), Nathan Hillard (jr., MF-F), Gavin Ballay (jr., GK-MF), Dalton Leitzel (soph., D-MF), Brody Wolfgang (soph., D), Tyler Mowery (soph., F)

Newcomers: Liam Yourey (soph., MF-F), Carsyn Stiely (soph., D), Jude Zimmerman (fr., D-MF)

Outlook: With eight returning starters, the Bulldogs have the makings of a team that should challenge in the division for a Schuylkill League playoff berth and be a factor in the District 11 playoffs.

Weatherly

Head coach: Kevin Kennedy (9th season)

Last year: 3-15

Returnees: Corbin Wagner (sr., F)

Newcomers: None

Outlook: Graduated five strong seniors, and lack of depth is a major concern. Could struggle.

Williams Valley

Head coach: Seth Shuey (22nd season)

Last year: 5-14, 4-8 D-II. District 11 Class A quarterfinalist

Returnees: Collin Berger (sr., D-MF), Ethan Lebo (sr., MF), Elijah Smith (sr., D), Xzavion Tennis (sr., MF), Christian Davis (sr., MF-F), John Rautzahn (sr., MF-F), Owen Mace (jr., GK-D), Carter Moore (soph., D)

Newcomers: Joseph Morales (soph., MF)

Outlook: With eight returning letterwinners, Vikings have the makings of a much improved team. Six of those returnees are seniors, and they’re providing great leadership. Depth, though, is a major concern. Improving record and qualifying for districts are realistic goals.

Related Posts

Loading...