Despite lack of varsity experience, Hopewell’s sights set high

Just how good is this Hopewell Valley High varsity boys soccer team?

A year ago, coach Ed Gola’s squad went 20-5, won Colonial Valley Conference Patriot Division and the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2 Group III crown before advancing to the state semifinals.

The Bulldogs graduated 16 players from that club, but no worries, their junior varsity was undefeated in 2016, so some feel this squad may be just as good.

That remains to be seen, yet with senior midfielder Max Wills (seven goals, 10 assists last year) leading the way, anything is possible.

Robbinsville had the second most wins overall and in the league last fall. However, fourth-year head coach Jeff Fisher’s squad also had heavy graduation.

With their top three scorers having graduated, the Ravens will look to junior midfield/ forward George Fotiou (seven goals last season) for leadership. Fotiou is in his third season with the varsity, but will need plenty of help. One possible offensive source should be senior midfield/forward Tyler Makkay (five goals).

Steinert began to play better at the end of last season under then first-year head coach Anthony Tessein. In 2017, the Spartans are hoping to continue showing what they learned.

What Steinert does have is 11-goal scorer Tristan Spadola, a senior forward, and sixgoal scorer Justin Brunow, a sophomore forward. The Spartans have 10 other players who also saw action last season, including senior midfielder Jacob DiChiara and senior back Sam Cohen, to keep them in the thick of the Patriot Division race.

Lawrence head coach Keith Fithen saw 15 players graduate from his 2016 team, yet is not fretting because of a strong junior varsity squad ready to move up.

The Cardinals will be counting on solid leadership from senior returnees like Luke Annand (forward), Ethan Crutchley (forward), Kieran Humphreys (midfield) and Estuardo DeLeon (back) to move back up into the league race.

Second-year Ewing head coach Dave Waseleski also has an inexperienced team, which he is hoping to turn into growth for the future.