By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Success has its privileges but can also come at a price.
The prize for winning five-straight Class 3 district titles – as well as a fourth-place finish at state in 2019 – was the bump up to Class 4 last season for the Neosho Wildcats. It was an early exit for the Wildcats, however, who fell 3-1 to Waynesville in the Class 4 District 5 Tournament.
“There are some adjustments we need to make going into this season’s district tournament,” said coach Steve Schnackenberg, who is in his 15th season as the Wildcats’ head coach.
The Wildcats welcome back a young but experienced group to the roster this season.
Fabiani Ohajaca, junior, midfielder – Scored 9 goals with 3 assists; earned Class 4 All-District 5 first-team and All-Central Ozark Conference first-team honors. “Fabi will help control our midfield and will be a team leader this year,” Schnackenberg said.
Christian Ornales, sophomore, forward – 7 goals, 1 assist. “Cris had a strong start last year as a freshman and we look for that again this year.”
Johnathan Tribby, junior, goalkeeper – “Johnathan started for us last year until he was injured, so we look for him to come back to start in goal again this season.”
Luis Alonzo, junior, defender – “Luis is a great 1v1 defender and has a lot of quickness. He should return to his left-back position again this season.”
Zane Thornberry, junior, midfielder – “Zane came in late in the year last season and had a great summer. He is very versatile, so we will use him in different positions to start the year.”
Brian Avilla, senior, midfielder – “Brian will be a threat for us playing in wide positions.”
Santino Gomez, junior, midfielder – Scored 1 goal. “Santino has had a great offseason to go along with his great vision and play-making ability.”
Alan Estrada, sophomore, midfielder. “We look for Alan to come up and help as a playmaker in a central-mid position.”
Schnackenberg has several players who will be looking to step up on the varsity level this season, including a strong freshman class the coach says could earn varsity roles early this fall.
Juan Blacarte, senior, midfielder – “Juan returns for his senior season and will lead us on and off the field. He will add a strong presence for us in the midfield this year.”
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Ivan Ortega, junior, defender – “Ivan will be a vital part of our back line this season.”
Trenton Price, senior, goalkeeper – “Trenton has had a great offseason and could find a starting role as our goalkeeper this season.”
Cody Juarez, sophomore, defender – “Cody’s speed and defending abilities should give him a chance to help us out on the back line this season.”
Allen Mendoza, sophomore – “Allen’s skill and knowledge will give him the opportunity to help the team in several areas. We look forward to seeing what he can accomplish this season.”
The Wildcats will have to find a way to fill the void left by the Class of 2023.
Juan Lucas, defender/midfielder – Scored 5 goals; earned Class 4 All-District 5 first-team and All-Central Ozark Conference first-team honors; playing at Crowder College this fall. “Juan has been a leader on this team since his sophomore year; we will miss that from him,” Schnackenberg said.
Christian Hernandez, defender – Class 4 All-District 5 first team, All-Central Ozark Conference first team.
Juan Perez, forward – 7 goals, 3 assists; named to All-Central Ozark Conference second team. “Juan got a lot of attention up top and created opportunities for us.”
Andy Lopez, forward/midfielder – 5 goals. “Andy played forward and outside mid for us and was always a threat. He had some big goals for us last year.”
Byron Gomez, forward/midfielder – 5 goals, 2 assists; All-Central Ozark Conference second team. “Byron was strong and had great speed. We will miss his ability to get behind defenses.”
The Wildcats will participate in a jamboree at Joplin with Webb City, Carl Junction and Monett, before traveling to Branson to open the regular season on Aug. 29.
“We will have skilled players all over the field,” Schnackenberg said. “We should have a strong bench to rely on this year.”
