By Matt Turer
Lebanon will look to find more offense this fall after getting shutout 16 times in 2016. The good news is, the Yellowjackets bring back an experienced senior class and head coach Matt Jernigan said a talented freshman class is coming in as the program moves towards improving on last year’s 3-20-2 record.
“We’re excited about our group after this summer,” Jernigan said. “We have a good mix of veteran players and new talent.”
Two all-district seniors return in leading goal scorer Kaleb Harlow (F) and Cyrus Murray (M). Harlow is a fast and athletic forward who will again put a lot of pressure on defenses.
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“He’s looking to continue to be a threat up top as well as making some of our younger talented forwards better,” Jernigan said of Harlow.
As for Murray, Jernigan is expecting him and his 6-foot-4 frame to step into a bigger role this season.
“He’s a strong kid who works hard to control the middle. He has good vision and wins a lot of balls in the air.”
Honorable-mention all-conference senior Andrew Mills (D) is back too. He’ll be sticking with his spot on defense but Jernigan said he may move Mills up if a spark is needed.
“He reads the game really well and is a vocal leader in the back. He’s getting interest from several colleges and is hoping to have a strong year,” Jernigan said of Mills.
Top goalkeeper Kaleb Hooper is back and healthy for his senior season after breaking his leg halfway into last year’s schedule. Hooper has been training all offseason and reportedly is much improved.
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