All Arkansas Preps
Warren’s Daniel Mondragon and Pulaski Academy’s Mattie Hatcher were named the boys and girls players of the year, respectively, on the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s All Arkansas Preps soccer team.
Warren’s boys soccer program has been in existence since the 2011 season.
Daniel Mondragon helped deliver the Lumberjacks’ first state championship in 2018.
The senior midfielder scored two goals in Warren’s 2-0 victory over Berryville in the Class 4A state championship game May 19 at Razorback Field on the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville campus.
Mondragon capped his senior season with 45 goals and 15 assists, and is this year’s Arkansas Democrat-Gazette All-Arkansas Preps boys soccer player of the year.
It’s the state championship game that has stuck on Coach Taylor Wood’s mind when it comes to Mondragon.
“That’s where all the marbles are,” Wood said. “We knew going into the game that if Daniel performed like he had all year, we would be okay and have a chance to win. That one stands out.
You need your star player to perform.”
Mondragon was motivated to get back to the state final after Warren’s 6-1 loss to Dardanelle in 2017.
“We knew we could get back to the state championship match,” Mondragon said. “We kept thinking about the loss. We got back to the final and won.”
Wood was Mondragon’s head coach for one season, but was impressed with him early on.
“He obviously has great skill,” Wood said. “But what sets him apart is his intelligence on the field. He knows where the ball needs to go.
“No one can control the ball like he can.”
The experience that Mondragon, a four-year starter, had was beneficial for the Lumberjacks, Wood said.
“You get to a certain point where your mind slows down in the game, so you can outthink the other players in the game,” Wood said.