MAIZE SOUTH, Kan.—
Maize South High School returned to the soccer field this year after graduating three seniors who were recognized on the all-state team and all-league first team in 2011.Despite the absence of standout athletes Andy Cochran, Chase Minzie and Nick Richardson, it seems the Mavericks have retained their confidence. After starting the season 2-0, they will return to the McPherson tournament next week as defending champions.
The boys will take on Thomas More Prep at noon Tuesday, Sept. 4, in McPherson. Maize South and the host Bullpups have encountered changes within their league, the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail. Maize South moved from Division IV to Division II this year while McPherson dropped from Division II to Division III.
Maize South finished last season 13-5 overall. Brian Hutton, who is starting his fourth year as Maize South head coach, has compiled a 29-23 career record.
In addition to the veteran coach, players who will help provide leadership this fall include juniors Jake Eskridge and Alex Green, who earned all-league second-team honors last year as a midfielder and forward, respectively.
Junior Yobani Delgado and senior Alex Bacon also will anchor the squad. They received all-league honorable mention as a midfielder and defender, respectively.
Other key players include senior Bryson Stricker; juniors Braden Stuart, Cooper McClure, Michael Gorges, Jathan Nguyen and Justinh Truong; and sophomore Bailey Benter. Freshmen expected to contribute are Nate Hendricks and Adrien Emanuel.
Maize South opened Aug. 28 with a 2-1 victory over Hutchinson and then beat Campus 6-2 on Aug. 30. Hutton said his players’ goals this year were to “make a presence in 5A soccer by being competitive in every game as well as improving in every game as the season goes on.”
The Mavericks concluded last season with a loss to Rose Hill, a state-tournament qualifier, in the Class 4-1A regional final. Their best finish occurred in 2010, when they advanced to state quarterfinals.
