Wildcats to open soccer on Tuesday

El Dorado's boys' soccer team returns four starters from a squad that went 8-5-1 in conference last season before falling to Jonesboro in the first round of the 5A State Tournament.

Coach Rex Hayes saw nine seniors graduate off that team, which hosts White Hall in the season opener on Tuesday.

New faces, same expectations for the Wildcats this season.

“My expectations have not changed from the previous years,” said Hayes. “We're always pushing for a top four spot to get into state. With Benton joining the conference, it's going to be a fight.”

The coach spotlighted Javier Rivas and Kieran Obiozo as key returners this season, saying, “Javier Rivas is great on the ball and is going to be key this year. Kieran Obiozo, great player and really has worked hard to be an absolute force anywhere on the field.”

The Wildcats' off-season extended into the weight room and, thanks to the multi-purpose facility at the high school, plenty of work on the field.

“Preseason has gone really well. I've had tons of participation leading up to the season,” said Hayes. “Focus has been on some more attacking principles. Up until this year we've been quite anemic in the attack. We're very balanced now and looking to play some exciting soccer. Huge credit to Coach Borosvski and his work with the boys as their strength and conditioning coach. They've made it to me in absolute top condition thanks to him.”

El Dorado will return four starters and four more with playing experience. Still, nine seniors to replace is a lot.

“For the most part, my core team has been working with me from the beginning of the year,” said Hayes. “We've really developed our principles and are starting to play the way we want to. We're a bit inexperienced compared to last year. I'll need the sophomores to really step up and help.”