By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The 2023 campaign was a “learning season” for the Lebanon Yellowjackets, but an experienced group of seniors looks to turn those lessons into successes.
“We had good players, but just couldn’t find the net when we needed to,” said Matt Jernigan, who enters his 17th season at Lebanon. “We lost six games by one goal and were close in several other games.
“We have a lot of experience returning and know that our leadership will be there this year. Guys know how to compete in big games; now, it is just finding a way to get over the hump and win those close games.”
The Yellowjackets, who finished 5-20 overall and 1-9 in the Ozark Conference in 2023, will be competing in the Central Ozark Conference in 2024.
“We are optimistic for this season,” Jernigan said. “We only graduated one senior and return a lot of players with varsity experience. We expect to be competitive night in and night out. With our new conference, we will be seeing a lot of good competition, and we are excited to see where we stack up.”
Lebanon’s experienced roster is led by six seniors and two juniors, including all-district and all-conference performers Noah Anderson and Jacob Reagan, as well as all-conference keeper Chris Kilburn.
Noah Anderson, senior, forward/midfielder – Earned Class 4 All-District 5 first team, All-Ozark Conference first-team honors. “Noah loves the game of soccer,” Jernigan said. “He is always working in the offseason to improve and has a ton of talent. We are excited to see what he can do in his senior year.”
Brock Piercy, senior, midfielder/defender – “Brock tore his ACL and MCL right after soccer season last year. He has been working hard in rehab and we are hoping he can be fully ready to go on that first day of practice. He is a multi-sport kid and is a big piece of our team.”
Chris Kilburn, senior, goalkeeper – All-Ozark Conference honorable mention. “Chris can play anywhere on the field. He has played keeper, midfield, forward and defense in his three years with us. He is a baseball kid that is just athletic. He is a leader on and off the field for our team.”
Ethan Fisher, senior, defender – “Ethan is an anchor in our defense. He has played varsity all three years in the defense and is a great asset back there. He has been a captain for our team and the boys look up to him. We will be pretty young in our defense this year, but Ethan will be the leader back there.”
Jacob Reagan, senior defender – Class 4 All-District 5 honorable mention, All-Ozark Conference second team. “Jacob (committed to) SBU this offseason and has been working hard to keep improving. He can play anywhere on the field and we are excited to see where he fits best in our new system this year. He can defend at a high level and has a great shot as well.”
Curtis Frazier, junior, defender – “Curtis is a tough kid. He works hard and will do anything for the team. He plays in our midfield and defense and brings some toughness to our game. He isn’t afraid of contact and will put his body on the line for the team.”
Jeremiah Rogers, senior, midfielder – Jerry had a great season last year in the midfield and will be a big part of our offense this season. He has great vision and a great shot and will help us solidify our midfield this year.”
William Hodges, junior, defender – “Will is an unbelievable athlete. He has all of the physical skill to play anywhere. His role will be changing this year and we are excited to see how he steps up into that role.”
Jernigan will also be looking to several players, who saw action last season, to step up even more this fall.
Josh Rogers, sophomore, defense – “Josh started for us as a freshman last year and did a great job up top and in the defense,” Jernigan said. “He is going to be on our back line this year and between him and Ethan Fisher, they should be a fun group to watch.”
Trent Penner, sophomore, forward – “Trent started as a freshman last year. He is a hard worker and has really taken it to another level over the offseason. We are excited to see how his hard work will translate to the field this fall.”
AJ Brown, sophomore, goalkeeper – “AJ stepped in goal last year and did a great job in a backup role. He is a multi-sport kid and is looking for more time in goal this year.”
Aidan Ziehr and Gavin Ziehr, junior, defenders – “Aidan and Gavin are twins who have really stepped up this off season. They had a great year last year and have worked really hard in the offseason and are looking really good coming into the fall.”
Noah Hinson, junior, midfield – “Noah has been dealing with injuries the last couple of years, but he is looking good over the offseason and we are expecting a big year from him this season.”
The lone loss for the Yellowjackets is defender Jordan Light, who graduated last spring.
“Jordan worked hard and led the team,” Jernigan said. “His leadership will be what we will miss most about Jordan. He had a way of bringing everyone together and bringing a light-heartedness to the group.”
Lebanon will participate in the jamboree at Bolivar on Aug. 27, before opening the regular season at Hillcrest on Sept. 3.
“Our schedule looks a lot different this year joining the COC,” Jernigan said. “We are excited to see some new teams and see where we stack up in arguably the best soccer conference in our area.
“We really like our experience returning this year. Most of our seniors have been playing varsity for three years and all of our starters this season will have varsity experience. We have a hard-working group who loves the game. We are an athletic group who loves to compete and can’t wait to get started.”
