Overview:
After a dominant 23-1 season, magnet’s most prolific sports team returns for the 25-26 season. This year the team will be headlined by star seniors Jaidon Daley, Cesa Ramirez, Sam Abney, Blake Yarborough, and Jace Gutting. Let’s talk about the strengths of each of our current stars. Jaidon is most proficient through his pace and athleticism, and always giving an edge to the team through his passion and determination to win and lead. Blake Yarborough brings technical skill, leadership, and a very efficient and fast finisher with frequency as well since he was the second leading goal scorer. Sam Abney brings “great vibes” and a can-do attitude. Jace Gutting brings an astounding presence on the defensive line and often brings snacks and trinkets to practice. The team has also added some young standout players like freshman Willy Aaron. Jack “Jam” Ham is an all star centermid who has a “small but mighty vibe” and is often cited as one of the favorite players on the team. Cesa adds veteran presence as the only 4 year varsity player and has a unique ability to see the field and place high level passes. Unfortunately, the team will be missing retired stars Mateus and Max Faircelli who are unfortunately very busy this season. The captains of this squad, whoever they may be, will lead this squad with diligence and put their experience on display. The team hopes to work together in order to put up a great season as they did last year.
The Strategy:
Academic Magnet plays a 4-3-3 which offers superior midfield control, attacking width, and high-pressing capabilities, making it a dominant system for possession-based teams. This is partially good for out talented midfield, featuring Sam Abney, Vadym, and Cesa Raimeres. On the backline, Jace Gutting, Keon, Micah, Jack Ham. Up Top, we have Blake Yaarbough, and Jaidon Daley, We will se how this all works out during their first scrimmage 2/18, However, Blake said “every competition is a real game to us”. During this Game, we will see how all of our players hold agains Enzo “the art of defending” Ferrari. It all comes down to what coach Hamil said at practice: “You can give effort, but you can;t guarantee perfection, but if you want to chase perfection you have to give effort”
Missing Seniors:
Coming off the best season in Academic Magnet soccer history, the team looks to repeat said greatness, however, this may be a difficult task with the loss of 11 seniors. Each senior brought a different aspect to the team so the soccer squad must look for a way to bounce back this year without these key players. Aiden Ruggierio was an electric ball handler with a phenomenal touch. Luckily for the team, we have Cesa who has truly become an elite baller entering his senior season with offers to play soccer in college. He hopes to fill the CAM role that Aiden played last year. James Bennetti was an elite center back who is a major loss for the team’s unbreakable defense that we had last year. Center backs Vadym and Keon will hold down the fort with enthusiasm as they are two elite defenders who are very composed in the back. Micah Hinson is also in that category, so it will be a real dog fight to see who comes out to lead our defense. Mark Sereda is a major loss as he was an elite goalie last year, but with promising stars like Egan and Kiyan the goalie position will be locked down. The other seniors will be missed, and I anticipate their absence will be noticed as the team transitions into this next season.
Youth:
This team has a solid youth core built around Owen Farr, Micah Hinson, Willy Aaron, and possibly Charlie McGlaughlin. These young players all play for SURF which must be a good academy as they have produced the only underclassmen on this team. Owen and Willy are elite midfielders, who despite their age, will likely play a major role on this team being facilitators for the offense and anchors for the defense. Willy has shown immense potential as a young star with great technical ability and intelligence on the ball. Owen Farr now has some experience after his JV season and will aim to transfer his talent to the varsity level as he will be an immediate impact player with heavy minutes. Looking to the third locked in underclassman on Varsity, Micah Hinson will hopefully put his outgoing energy to good use on the backline. Micah is a threat to all attackers on the field as he puts in elite challenges while also being great at moving the ball up the field with composure despite his young age he has a mature mindset on the field.
Upcoming Games
Lucy- Blake personally guarantees this game as a victory, He says Lucky has never beat them, wont this year, and wont ever. He added that he isn’t scared of their new “sissy” players like Tripp Johnsons and asks them to be prepared to transfer again. He also says that the team probably w
State Championship- Jaidon says that he is a Junkyard Dog and isn’t worried about who hes playing, because he knows his upbeat and plucky mentality will carry them to victory
Jack’s Game Predictions:
Hannahan: W 2:1
Glynn Academy: L 1:2
Blufton: W 3:0 bounce back game..
Andrews: W 10:0
Summerville: W 3:1
Timberland: W 10:0
Phillip Simmons: W 1:0
Woodland: W 10:0
Lucy Beckham: L 1:3
Jaidon’s Game Predictions:
“There is no need for me to go through each game as I am obviously gonna predict a dub every time. I respect the game of these other teams, but I am never gonna predict myself to lose during soccer season as any game is possible for this electric team. I do not care if we are playing Timberland or Real Madrid, I am confident in our team to put forth our best effort and always have a chance. “
