Trending

Fall 2017 Preview: Willard Soccer

By Matt Turer – mturer@ky3.com
@MattTurer

With Brody Patillo gone, Willard faces the task of replacing a player who was its heart and soul as the Tigers advanced all the way to a Class 3, District 11 title game appearance behind 15 wins last fall. But if the Tigers can move on from Patillo’s absence, the program has a shot at back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2012-13.

Willard has an experienced senior class back that includes Turner Sevon (GK), Taylor Davis (F), second-team all-conference selection Mikal Warner (F), Alex Harsh (D/M), Zach Kauffman (D) and first-team all-conference selection Dyllon Schmehl.

As head coach Tim Magee said, there are some holes that need filling, but that’s the case with every team.

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL OF THE FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS

“We’re optimistic that the younger players will be able to fill them well,” Magee said.

But ultimately, Willard’s success this season will be a result of its experience. In addition to the all-conference selection, Schmehl was honored with an all-district and all-region selection, and was named the district co-Defensive Player of the Year.

“He’s the heart of our defense,” Magee said of the senior center back.

Then there’s Sevon, who’s been Willard’s starting varsity goalkeeper for the past three years and allowed either zero or one goal in 15 games last season, and Kauffman, who’s expected to take on more of a leadership role on defense after filling in at a few different positions the last two years.

Warner will be leaned on this season offensively as Willard’s striker. He had four goals and six assists last year.

Senior Taylor Davis, Willard’s leading returning goal scorer (6 G, 1 A), is back as well.

Second-team all-district juniors Ryley Young (M/striker) and Cole Oedewalt (D/M) are back too. Young finished with four goals last year, and Magee called him a dynamic striker and a tireless, opportunistic player, while Oedewalt brings excellent vision and soccer IQ to the pitch.

“We’ve had a very good summer,” Magee said. “We’ve had good turnout and work ethic and we have a group of seniors that have taken the lead and pushed forward this summer. I believe we’ve seen improvement in every area, and hopefully it translates well to the field this fall.”