Raul Gerhardus looking to lead Maize South back to state

MAIZE, Kan. (Catch it Kansas) - At 13-0, Maize South soccer has its sights set on returning to the 5A state title game for the third year in a row. This season, they think they have what it takes to bring home the program’s first championship.

The Mavericks are led by senior striker Raul Gerhardus, who is one of the most prolific goal scorers in Kansas.

“In every single game, it’s my goal to score,” said Gerhardus.

Through just 13 games, Gerhardus has 28 goals on the season. With 92 career goals, he’s the Mavericks all-time leading scorer. As a junior, he finished the year with 33 goals, setting the school’s single season record.

“The comfort with which he does it is astounding and as a coach it’s something we try not to hold him back by over coaching him,” said Maize South head coach Rey Ramirez.

But scoring a lot of goals isn’t his top priority in his final high school season.

“The main goal is to win state this year,” said Gerhardus.

On a team full of depth, Gerhardus wants to help lead the Mavericks to their third straight 5A state title appearance. But this year, bring home the program’s first championship

“I do think this year we have a better team than we have ever had, and we click together better than any other year,” said Gerhardus.

It’s been nine years since a Wichita area 6A or 5A school won a boy’s soccer title. With Kansas City schools dominating the sport, Gerhardus said this is their chance to put Wichita soccer back on the map.

“I think we’re not just representing maize south but when we go to state, we are up there to represent Wichita soccer.”

Copyright 2020 Catch it Kansas. All rights reserved.