By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Logan-Rogersville Wildcats rode the momentum of their 2021 district title into another successful season in 2022 and look to continue the trend in 2023.
The Wildcats finished 21-4 overall and 5-1 in the Big 8 Conference, falling to Springfield Catholic early in the season. They came up short in their bid for a second straight district championship with loss in PKs to Osage.
“We were able to gain confidence throughout the year,” said coach Brett Wubbena, who is 17 wins from 200 with the boys’ program. “Even with the seniors we had lost the year before, we were still a good team.
“I think the same thing applies this season. We lost some important players, but we are coming back with a solid core and some very good freshman players.”
That core includes six seniors (two all-state players), three juniors and three sophomores.
Brady Goodson, senior, goalkeeper – Earned Class 2 All-State first-team, Class 2 All-Region 3 Goalkeeper of the Year/first-team, Class 2 All-District 5 Goalkeeper of the Year/first-team and All-Big 8 Conference Goalkeeper of the Year/first-team honors. “Brady is as good as they come,” Wubbena said. “I thought he was awesome last year, and I believe that he has gotten better this past offseason.”
Stewart McDonald, senior, midfielder – Class 2 All-State first team, Class 2 All-Region 3 first team, Class 2 District 5 Co-Player of the Year/first team and All-Big 8 Conference first team. “Stewart can play as a forward when you need a goal, in the midfield when you need to control a game or as a center back when defending is what you need. A great all-around player that is so strong on the ball. Definitely a player to watch.”
Caleb Vogt, senior, midfielder – Class 2 All-District 5 second team and All-Big 8 Conference second team. “A workhorse with a chip on his shoulder. Don’t tell this kid what he can’t do because he’ll prove you wrong.”
Conner Stewart, junior, midfielder – Class 2 All-District 5 second team and All-Big 8 Conference honorable mention. “An outstanding all-around player. Conner sees the game better than most and has exceptional speed. He is a kid that will make coming to watch a game worth it.”
Clayton McClellan, senior, defender – Class 2 All-District 5 second team. “Clayton is such a hard worker and is getting better every day. He is a good block in the defense.”
Joyle Seu, senior, forward – “Joyle is super-fast and has the ability to get behind any back line.”
Chase Hampton, senior, midfielder/defender – “I haven’t decided where Chase will play because he could help in a couple of spots.”
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Riley Hensley, sophomore, midfielder/defender – “Riley was really good last year as a freshman, but this summer he seems to have gained confidence and is ready to make his mark.”
Easton Hampton, sophomore, midfielder – “A great wing player last year that never seemed to get tired.”
Noah Jones, junior, midfielder – “Noah showed off several moves last year and has been looking good this summer.”
Mathias Nothum, sophomore, midfielder/defender – “Mathias was blocked a bit last year by a couple of upperclassmen. This summer, he has been looking ready to win a spot.”
Marcus Sirb, junior, forward – “Marcus has always had a great shot. This year, we will need him to show it off a little bit more.”
Six freshmen make up a solid group of newcomers who also could make an impact this season in Dustin Stewart, Malcolm Jones, Finley Smith, Carson Callen, Jason Bevzyuk and Levi Standefer.
“I don’t know what position these boys can play yet, but do know that all summer they have been excited to play high school soccer,” Wubbena said. “They have worked really hard and have already turned the heads of each coach.”
Logan-Rogersville will a sizeable void to fill on defense and the midfield with the graduation of Calvin Jones, Zach Higdon and Tyler Stewart.
Calvin Jones, defender – Class 2 All-State honorable mention, Class 2 All-Region 3 first team, Class 2 All-District 5 first team and All-Big 8 Conference first team. “A strong commanding presence on the field, and absolutely a field captain,” Wubbena said.
Zach Higdon, center back – Class 2 All-District 5 Defensive Player of the Year/first team and All-Big 8 Conference second team. “An outstanding defender. He read the game like few do at this level. He had great speed, too.”
Tyler Stewart, midfielder – Class 2 All-District 5 second team and All-Big 8 Conference honorable mention. “Tyler was a great controlling force in our midfield. We oftentimes would play through him in our build-up play.”
The Wildcats will participate in a jamboree with New Covenant Academy, Marshfield and Greenwood on Aug. 18, at the Cooper Soccer Field, and then open the regular season on the road in the Lebanon Kickoff Tournament on Aug. 25-26.
“We, once again, have a team full of midfielders, but this year we have more speed,” Wubbena said. “We have a good balance of young and old, so if the senior leaders can encourage and help give our younger class confidence playing at the varsity level, we might have a special year.
“Even though I have seen all of these boys play this year, I haven’t seen them all together. I also think that we have good depth this season, so maybe we can play an up-tempo game.”
