Several coaches certainly hope high school boys’ soccer continues to be played at a high level in Onslow County and in surrounding areas as they try to lead their squads to conference titles and deep playoff runs.
The first day of official practice is Wednesday and the regular seasons kicks off Aug. 10. Here’s a look at area players to watch out for this season:
Bennett Beaupre, Croatan: The senior midfielder was second-team all-area with 11 goals and four assists for the Cougars, who went 8-15-2 overall, 6-6 in the Coastal Conference and advanced to the third round of the 5-A playoffs.
Porter Beasley, Croatan: The senior defender looks to lead the backline.
Spencer Lorencz, Croatan: The junior midfielder/forward wants to increase his production after he had four goals and an assist.
Bane Blizzard, Dixon: The senior midfielder/forward was second-team all-area with 18 goals and four assists for the Bulldogs, who went 14-7-1 overall, 8-3-1 in the Coastal Conference and advanced to the second round of the 5-A playoffs.
Tristen Carper, Dixon: The senior midfielder will play a larger role after he had one goal and five assists.
Aidan Meeks, Dixon: The senior goalkeeper returns after he made 120 saves and sported a 1.80 goals against average with five clean sheets.
Zack Sumner, Dixon: The sophomore can play up top and in the back. He had four goals and two assists last year.
Aidan Teller, Dixon: The senior midfielder/forward was first-team all-area for the second time with 23 goals and nine assists.
Bryan Mendez, East Duplin: The senior helps anchor the backline for the Panthers, who went 14-8-2 overall, 8-2 in the East Central Conference and played in the second round of the 4-A playoffs.
Yobani Gomez, East Duplin: The junior midfielder looks to score more after he had three goals and two assists.
Osiris Mendoza, East Duplin: The senior had four goals and an assist last year but will help lead the defense.
Landon Adams, Jacksonville: The senior midfielder was first-team all-area for the second time with 16 goals and 11 assists for the Cardinals, who went 16-5-2 overall, 9-1 in the Big Carolina Conference and advanced to the fourth round of the 6-A playoffs.
Max Crandall, Jacksonville: The senior enters as the fulltime goalkeeper after splitting time last year.
Noah Nantes, Jacksonville: The senior midfielder was third-team all-area with seven goals and two assists.
Cannon Smith, Jacksonville: The junior defender will lead the backline after he was second-team all-area.
Cooper Williams, Jacksonville: The junior midfielder was third-team all-area at defensive midfield.
Mahin Dugba, Liberty Christian: The senior goalkeeper made 309 saves for the Heat, which went 8-13.
Cole Drown, Northside: The junior defender/midfielder will lead the backline. He also had a goal and six assists for the Monarchs, who went 15-6-2 overall, 8-4 in the Coastal Conference and advanced to the third round of the 5-A playoffs.
Eliaz Garcia, Northside: The senior midfielder/forward should increase his scoring production after he recorded three goals and four assists.
Jack Skordoulis, Northside: The senior midfielder/forward looks to take a big step after he tallied seven goals and one assist.
Karter Smith, Northside: The sophomore midfielder/forward will play a larger role after he had six goals and three assists.
Sam Summers, Northside: The senior goalkeeper made 55 saves and recorded two shutouts.
Isaiah Betton, Richlands: The senior forward is the reigning area player of the year and a two-time first-team all-area performer as he netted 44 goals and nine assists for the Wildcats, who went 19-3-2 overall and 11-1 in the Coastal Conference.
Colton Patterson, Richlands: The sophomore forward looks to elevate his game after he tallied seven goals and seven assists.
Landen Rogers, Richlands: The senior defensive midfielder was third-team all-area after he had three goals and one assist.
Omar Rodriguez, Richlands: The senior attacking midfielder was first-team all-area with 12 goals and 19 assists.
Jon Carter, Southwest: The senior made 223 saves and had a shutout as goalkeeper for the Stallions, who went 5-15.
Elijah Jenkins, Southwest: The junior midfielder looks to step up after he scored four goals.
Tyler McElrath, Southwest: The senior midfielder looks to be a force in the middle.
Aren Szczesniewski, Swansboro: The senior midfielder looks to contribute more after he had a goal and an assist for the Pirates, who went 5-15-1.
Asher Weston, Swansboro: The senior defender will spearhead the backline.
Phoenix Villanueva, Swansboro: The junior goalkeeper was third-team all-area after he sported a 1.95 GAA.
Vaughn Anthony, White Oak: The junior midfielder looks to play a key role in his debut varsity season for the Vikings, who went 8-12-2.
Jhianni Fowler, White Oak: The junior forward/midfielder can pick up the scoring after he booted six goals last year.
Javier Vasquez, White Oak: The senior defender looks to help anchor the back.