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Several area teams looking for continued success by building off last year’s experiences

The Altoona Mirror coverage area returns a handful of teams that experienced plenty of success last year.

Some of those team return a wealth of experience, while others have graduated a lot and must finds replacements to fill in the gaps.

One team that experienced the most success is Blair County Christian.

The Bobcats won the Allegheny Christian Athletic Association title a season ago and then traveled the National Christian School Athletic Association tournament and captured the Division III national title.

BCC returns nine of 11 starters from that 21-2-1 team including Mirror first team all-star Davis Dull and honorable mention star Aaron Winters.

In preseason scrimmage play, the Bobcats fell 5-4 in a tighly-contested match to Tyrone — another team looking to build off the success of a year ago.

The Golden Eagles return Mirror first-team all-star and Mountain League MVP in Corey Johnston as well as honorable mention star, Alex Roberts, and nine other starter from a team that lost to Bald Eagle Area in the District 6 Class 3A title match.

Bedford captured the District 5 Class 2A title and lost in the state playoffs to Shady Side.

While the Bisons do return honorable mention all-stars Chase DeLong and Logan LaMarche, they only have three other starters back and must find replacements to fill out their starting lineup.

The Altoona boys, who lost to State College in the District 6 Class 4A championship match, welcomes back Mirror all-star Alex Berardinelli, and honorable mention stars in Austin Kravetz and Bailey Musselman.

Other returnees from the Altoona Mirror first-team are: Brady Hawkins of Huntingdon and Jackson Hudkins of Bishop Carroll.

Honorable mention all-stars that are back are: Avery Farabaugh of Cambria Heights, Brady Foor of Everett, Isaac Helsel and Evan Shale of Hollidaysburg and Masen Osman of Chestnut Ridge.

Altoona

Coach: Dave McCarter, fourth season

Career record: 36-17-3

Last year’s record: 11-8

Conference: Independent

Returning starters: Seniors: Alex Berardinelli, Tyson Carter, Brady Freiwald, Zachary Kowaslki, Sean Stuttard, Wesley Young. Juniors: Graham Black, Austin Kravetz, Bailey Musselman, Lucas Vrabel.

Other returners: Seniors: Jeff Barr, Kevin Bartley, Major Greaser, Tyler Long, Jake Schmidhamer, Ethan Watters. Juniors: Brennen Dugan, Chad Flarend, Logan Haugh, Chad Reighard. Sophomores: Ian Cox, Brayden Crawford, Gavin Lamborn, Ethan Little, John Schmidhamer, Will Young.

Newcomers: Junior: Nick Leberfinger. Freshmen: Chris Bartley, Kade Black, Michael Dieter, Cameron Krause, Elijah McCune, Ian Palilla, Tyler Stirk.

Strengths: “We are fortunate to have many key contributors and 10 returning starters coming back from least season.”

Concerns: “We have depth but a few players are out of coming off injury.”

Overall outlook: “We have the possibility of doing great things but our success will be determined by our focus and how hard we work.”

Assistant coaches: Doug Sipes, Jeremy Young, Travis Young

Junior high coaches: Pat McDowell, Eric Haugh

Bedford

Coach: Barrett Schrock, 10th season

Career record: 123-64-9

Last year’s record: 13-4-1

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Senior: Logan LaMarche. Juniors: Chase DeLong, David Gresh, Michael Huffman, Chris Klinger.

Other returners: Juniors: Brylee Ahlfeld, Lane Browell, Josh Diehl, Braden Ford, Nate Hoover. Sophomores: Isaac Arnold, Colby Barnhouse, Cameron Hagenbuch, Chase Holler, Bowen LaMarche, Samuel Pratt.

Newcomers: Senior: Seth Montgomery. Freshmen: Ethan Byers, Warren Carter, Alex Good, Hayden Graham, Tristan Minnick, Layne Richardson, Micah Shoup, Landon Weyant, Caleb Wigfield,

Strengths: “We have a strong group of returning lettermen.”

Concerns: “Overall experience and depth. We graduated 10 seniors from last year’s team.”

Overall outlook: “We want to be better and more competitive with each passing game. We’re looking for our best soccer to be played toward the end of October. After 18 games, our goal is to be able to compete for the District 5 championship.”

Assistant coaches: Daniel Ford, Chris Turner, Hughie Hershberger, Shawn Richardson

Junior high coaches: Paul Kendall, Scott Myers

Bishop Carroll

Coach: David Paronish, second season

Career record: 10-4-1

Last year’s record: 10-4-1

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Roster: Seniors: Joey Bernard, Austin Oravec, Nick Withum. Juniors: Ely Blaisdell, Colton Dumm, Nathan Farabaugh, Joel Hague, Jackson Hudkins, Edwin Maykovich, Nick Weber. Sophomores: Timmy Golden, Dino Menie, Nick Smith. Freshmen: Thomas Bernard, Jude Keohle, Austin Kirsch, Sean McCarthy, Zach Onkst, Naveen Sirsikar, Thomas Urbain, Blake Weber, Daniel Yunetz.

Overall outlook: “If we can tighten up the holes left by last year’s seniors, mostly on the defensive end, we should have a strong season. Playoffs should be within reach for us again this year. I look forward to seeing what we are able to accomplish this season.”

Assistant coach: Eli Norman

Bishop Guilfoyle

Coach: Nathan Pownall, second season

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Roster: Seniors: Wook Hur. Juniors: Evan Wandersee, Jannes Hatzius, Mallo Gintrand. Sophomores: Brennan Myrick, Joel Craig, Seth Kirby, Devan Wyandt, Nick Magda, Dane VanHorn. Freshmen: Bradley Haun, Alex Pownall, Max Kirkpatrick.

Strengths: “We have some great first-year players and are looking forward to the season.”

Concerns: “We are young.”

Overall outlook:”Our biggest challenge this year will be our numbers as we only have a couple subs. Last year we also played the entire season with 13 players. I am hoping that we can get through this season with about the same number. Moving forward, I hope to continue bringing in freshmen to build our numbers back up closer to 20 over the next two seasons.”

Assistant coach: Aaron Craig

Blair County Christian

Coach: Matt Osborn, seventh season

Career record: 70-27-7

Last year’s record: 21-2-1

Conference: Allegheny Christian Athletic Association Western Division

Returning starters: Seniors: Hudson Dull, Jonathon Hight, Micah Nicodemus. Sophomores: Connor Dull, Davis Dull, Ben Hartman, Joel Nicodemus, Colden Snyder, Aaron Winters.

Other returners: Seniors: Ethan Carn, Garrett Ebersole. Sophomores: Caleb Butterbaugh, Jacob Carn, Kort Sease. Freshman: Jared Nicodemus. Eighth grade: Caedmon Dull.

Newcomers: Sophomore: Hunter Nagle. Freshman: Mason Andre. Eighth graders: Matthias Andre, Harrison Hollis, Jordan Jackson. Seventh graders: Aiden Dull, Cody Mahan, Seth Nicodemus, Dalton Snyder.

Strengths: “We return nine starters. We got bigger and faster over the summer. We have a great group of guys that really want to get better and work as a team.”

Concerns: “We have a lot of new guys to bring up to speed because many on our bench are pretty young.”

Overall outlook: “We are coming off a big season last year where we won our conference tournament. We hope to be playing again for that title at the end of the year. We have really high hopes for this season.”

Assistant coaches: Chaz Dull, Andrew Fries

Cambria Heights

Coach: Adam Strasser, fourth season

Career record: 38-19-1

Last year’s record: 11-8-1

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Juniors: Seth Conaway, Matt Davis, Luke Lamb, Nate McCombie, Loegan Smeal.

Other returners: Senior: Adam Carpinello. Juniors: Jimmy Ertter, Danny Hudack, Tanner Maurer, Mason St. Clair. Sophomores: Hunter Hayes, Nate Nihart, Landon Smeal, Casey Weakland.

Newcomers: Senior: Gianni Pagano. Freshmen: Nathan Farabaugh, Ethan King, Austin Malenich, Zach Mislevy, Braden Morelay, Angelo Mozina, Caleb Patterson, Colin Sherry, Cole Weiland.

Strengths: “One our strengths is that we have a strong nucleus coming back from last season. These five starters have exceptional chemistry. Additionally, new players are starting to gel with this core from last year.”

Concerns: “Although we have five starters back from last season, we have a very young team. We will have to count on underclassmen to fill key spots left vacated by last year’s senior-led team. Additionally, we will have a new face in goal this year. Although, the young players and young goalies have done a phenomenal job in camp, it is still a concern.”

Overall outlook: “The outlook for the 2019 season is to improve on a daily basis in a very tough Laurel Highlands Athletic Confernence.”

Assistant coaches: Bob Diamond, Ken Kerchenske, Mike Strasser

Junior high coach: Brandy Kline

Central

Coach: Randy Trexler, eighth season

Last year’s record: 3-15

Conference: Mountain League

Returning starters: Seniors: Brandt Kensinger, Colin Rupert. Juniors: Alex Bowman, Ashton Campbell, Braden Kensinger, Luke Trexler. Sophomores: Zach Gahagan, Drew Laufle.

Other returners: Junior: Andrew Peck.

Newcomers: Junior: Andrew Schneider. Sophomores: Josh Bridenbaugh, Caden Feathers, John Imler, Jaden Myers, Ruger Trueman, Zach Wyant. Freshman: Ben Theys.

Strengths: “A core group of experienced players who know how to combine and score lots of goals. This could be a team record-setting year.”

Concerns: “Having lost last year’s goalkeepers, the team will have to start training new players for the position.”

Overall outlook: “The Dragons will rely on a group of eight letterwinners to help propel the program this season. Seniors Colin Rupert and Brandt Kensinger are the returning starters where Rupert scored more goals in a preseason tournament than he did his junior year. Veterans Luke Trexler and Ashton Campbell are expected to lead the returning group of starters that make up most of the midfield and defense, including Braden Kensinger, Zach Gahagan, Drew Laufle and Alex Bowman. Trexler is expected to be a top point scorer after leading in assists last year, but watch out for Zach Gahagan to sneak in and score a lot of goals as a sophomore. Campbell and Laufle could be the reason for the tenacious Dragon defense as they are fearless in defensive positions. Newcomers Imler, Myers, Feathers and freshman Theys are showing a lot of promise and could all be fighting for plenty of play time on the varsity squad.”

Assistant coach: Josh Wolf

Junior high coaches: Mike Zolnoski, Chris Sanders

Central Cambria

Coach: Jason Zaffuto, third season

Career record: 12-22-2

Last year’s record: 5-11-2

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors: Dylan Devlin, Ryan Hunt, Troy Shope, Ben Young. Juniors: Kevin Orange, Isaac Polchito, Corey Roberts, Hunter Springer. Sophomores: Adam McGlynn, Jameson O’Brien, Ethan Kubat.

Other returners: Juniors: Garrett Heeney, Cameron Lasinsky, John Letizia, Vincent Micco. Sophomores: Gavin Kolar, Brock Martin, Brayden Mennett, Alek Nikolishen.

Newcomers: Freshmen: Ryan Kopco, Aaron Lasinsky, Hunter McMullen, Cody Novitski, Cody Roberts, Wyatt Link, Jonathon Wess.

Strengths: “Our guys have developed a lot of team chemistry, and are all on the same page when it comes to executing our plan on the field. We have a deep pool of guys that should help us offensively.”

Concerns: “We lost some key players on defense. For us to have a lot of success, we are going to need some key guys to step up big for us this year.”

Overall outlook: “I think we will have the best year of my tenure this year. The guys have really developed a good understanding of the game this year, and everyone is on the same page with what we are trying to do to win games.”

Assistant coach: Brian Croyle

Chestnut Ridge

Coach: Dave Van Meter, seventh season

Career record: 67-38-5

Last year’s record: 9-6-2

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors Masen Osman, Evan Roose. Juniors: Silas Barr, Trevor Harrison, Khyler Price, Jonah Zembower. Sophomores: Dylan Gibbner, Jack Moyer, Gavyn Walter.

Other returners: Senior: Ben Smith.

Newcomers: Freshmen: Cameron Garrett, Collin Osman, Brandon Tomory, Ben Whisker.

Strengths: “Defensive core players, chemistry amongst our team and their will to improve and win games.”

Concerns: “Some new younger guys and some new players who haven’t played soccer before. Total experience level.”

Overall outlook: “We look for our team to understand the game of soccer and how it’s supposed to be played. We hope to make the playoffs and take it one game at a time.”

Assistant coaches: Dan Crist, Corey Amick, Caleb Whisker, Greg Gibbner.

Junior high coaches: Andrew Ross, Cody Baker.

Everett

Coach: Brad Zembower, seventh season

Career record: 70-36-5

Last year’s record: 14-4

Conference: Sideling Hill League

Returning starters: Senior: Brady Foor. Juniors: Luca Fierro, David Rice. Sophomores: Xander Brown, Ethan Murphy.

Other returners: Senior: Christian Rice. Juniors: Gaige Ramsey, Jacob Truax, Spencer Weaver. Sophomores: Colton Burkholder, Holden Cessna.

Newcomers: Seniors: Brent Barnhart, Mason Cessna, Dylan Robinson. Junior: Scott Weaver. Freshmen: Kaleb Brambley, Zach Foor, Macyn Klotz, Isaiah Schooley.

Strengths: “Good core of players returning that have experience at the varsity level.”

Concerns: “Asking some first year varsity players to step right in and contribute early and often.”

Overall outlook: “If we work hard, we should be right in the mix to compete for a district championship.”

Assistant coaches: Chad Bosley, Trenton Barnes, Joseph Koontz

Junior high coaches: Justin Mills, Samantha Mills

Great Commission

Coach: Scott Hildebrand, 21st season

Last year’s record: 8-8-1

Conference: Allegheny Christian Athletic Associaton Western Division

Returning starters: Senior: Shaun Murray. Juniors: Owen Hildebrand, Anthony Noel, Jonathan Tuggy. Sophomores: Jackson Mark, David Pascual. Freshman: Isaac Moore.

Other returners: Sophomores: Christian Mathers, Jacob Mauk, Ashtom Summers. Eighth graders: Hunter Hatch, Liam Goibbons.

Newcomers: Senior: Daniel Hamer. Sophomore: Steven Karageanes. Eighth graders: Luke Barrineau, Charlie Lohsl. Seventh graders: Eli Michael, Jackson Moore, Landon Summers.

Strengths: “Speed and tenacity.”

Concerns: “Experience.”

Overall outlook: “Our goal is to qualify for our league postseason tournament.”

Assistant coach: Jason Mauk

Hollidaysburg

Coach: Craig Shale, 15th season

Career record: 198-94-7

Last year’s record: 9-10

Conference: Independent

Returning starters: Seniors: Jesse Clayton, Drew Desot, Isaac Helsel, Adam Naugle, James Roberts, Jacob Roach. Junior: Evan Shale. Sophomore: Braden Callahan.

Other returners: Senior: Ethan Pinter. Juniors: Jackson DelGiudice, Caleb Jandora, Andrew Wolford. Sophomores: Shushant Dahal, Ryan Frank, Mason Lowey, Dilan Wasney, Brody Yoder, Parker Zonts.

Newcomers: Junior: Atticus Imhoff. Freshmen: Colin Agnew, Nathan Crum, Spencer DelGiudice, Derek Desort, Luke Jandora, Haddy Obeid, Deagan Quarello, Jadd Younes.

Strengths: “A great group of seniors brings lots of quality and experience, In fact, the entire starting 11 all have high-level travel soccer experience. A hunger to get back to the District 6 title game after losing in the semifinals last season.”

Concerns: “Overall depth, only have five players on the bench. We can’t afford any injuries.”

Overall outlook: “The team has high expectations, a District 6 title and a possible postseason win.’

Assistant coach: Don Tantius

Junior high coach: Tristan Delgiudice

Huntingdon

Coach: Phil Hawkins, eighth season

Career record: 62-51-9

Last year’s record: 9-7-2

Conference: Mountain League

Returning starters: Seniors: Andrew Buonaccorsi, Brady Hawkins, Zac Monica, Isaac Snare, Alex Stratton, Marcus Stratton. Sophomore: James Buonaccorsi.

Other returners: Seniors: Josh Heffner, Isaiah House, Bruce Perow, Jakes Tanner, Duncan Wentzel. Juniors: Taran Pelkey, Ethan Varner. Sophomores: Trevor Culbertson, Eli Dunwoody, Jacob Everhart, Holden McBrayer, Thomas Ritchey, Ryan States, Oscar Tuten, Cameron Wiser, Nathan Wiser.

Newcomers: Freshmen: Finn Bailey, Sean Buckley, Connor Centi, Isaac Cummings, Patrick Escuadro, Andrew Gutshall, Aiden Kelsey, Aiden Laird, Vito LoPiccolo, Marco Scaccia, Dylan Stiffler, Brandon Stuber.

Strengths: “We have excellent numbers at 35 players. We have a lot of talent and soccer experience across all four classes. We have a great core of returning starters especially the seniors who have shown great leadership. Competition across all positions for playing time should be intense leading to spirited training sessions. Team chemistry looks very good.”

Concerns: “Rebuilding a defensive unit that was outstanding last Fall. As always, we have put together a tough non-conference schedule to challenge the guys and prepare for the postseason. The Mountain League will be as competitive as always.”

Overall outlook: “We should be a tough contender in the Mountain League. We believe we will be a tough team to play against come playoff time. We like the overall soccer knowledge and experience of this group.”

Assistant coaches: Jim Roney, Jason Morris, Neil Pelkey

Junior high coach: Ben Young

Northern Bedford

Coach: Marcus Yeatts, 20th season

Last year’s record: 0-15

Conference: Inter-County Conference

Returning starters: Seniors: Hunter Corle, Eyziak Cottle. Juniors: Curtis Clark, Eli Grimes. Sophomores: Cameron Clark, Logan Greeley, Nate Helsel, Reyan Imler, Levi Wiedemann.

Other returners: Juniors: Tristin Pepple, Micah Smith.

Newcomers: Sophomore: Dillian Walker. Freshmen: Austin Bartholow, Drew Childers, Evan Coffey, Daulton Dilling, Dominic Francis, Cody Miller, Jacob Sensenig, River Troutman, Collin Yeatts.

Strengths: “We have good depth on the varsity team for the first time in years. We also have nine returning starters and a good group of freshmen — many of whom will play key roles for our team.”

Concerns: “Youth. We have only six upperclassmen and 15 underclassmen. Our freshmen and sophomores will be asked to play like juniors and seniors.”

Overall outlook: “Our goal is to make District 5 playoffs, and I believe it is an achieveable goal. Many of the players have put time in during the offseason. The talent is there; we just need to grow up fast.”

Assistant coaches: Jonas Bequeath, Caleb Musselman

Junior high coaches: Brandon Horton, Kevin Lawton

Northern Cambria

Coach: Matt Milanesi, first season

Career record: 0-0

Last year’s record: 0-0

Conference: Heritage Conference

Returning starters: Senior: Chris Perrone. Juniors: Adam Bachik, Adam Lanzendorfer, Gary Smith. Sophomores: Caleb Born, Evan Semelsburger.

Other returners: Sophomores: Damien Smego, Alex Snyder.

Newcomers: Junior: Andy Amsdell. Freshmen: Josh Allen, CJ Booterbaugh, Joe Griffiths, Jonathon Jacobs, Braden Marconi, Brandon McCombie, Evan Wiewiora.

Strengths: “Good team communication and the desire to be successful.”

Concerns: “Second year as a program with a very young team overall.”

Overall outlook: “To build together as a team.”

Assistant coach: Dom Milanesi

Penn Cambria

Coach: Nick Wanyo, second season

Career record: 5-12

Last year’s record: 5-12

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Senior: Marty Sekerak. Juniors: Dominic Landi, Logan Machina, Joseph Mastri, Connor Mento, Reed Niebauer. Sophomores: Josh Canavan, Chase Sorichetti.

Other returners: Juniors: Josh Koval, Demetri Miller, Dylan Tubbs. Sophomores: Noah Noel, Brandt Patterson.

Newcomers: Freshman: Adam Stauski

Strengths: “This team has tons of team chemistry. We are still a young squad, but we are a very tightly knitted group. I think we will surprise a lot of teams.”

Concerns: “Because we are still young, that means we have a lot of inexperience. We are still in need of a top goal scorer, and we are still trying to find out sweeper. We have had a good camp and I think we are one step closer to filling both of those positions.”

Overall outlook: “I think this is going to be a good season. We made the playoffs last year at 5-12, and we are looking much better this year. We have a favorable schedule and I think we can definitely try to have the first winning season in Penn Cambria history for boys soccer.”

Assistant coach: Joe Landi

Philipsburg-Osceola

Coach: Shawn Inlow, 12th season

Career record: 96-97-18

Last year’s record: 5-8-4

Conference: Mountain League

Returning starters: Seniors: Matt Farrell, Kyle Godin, Aaron Parks. Juniors: Nick Mostyn, Gregg Paladina, Tommy Pelesky, Caleb Pellerite. Sophomores: Ashton Crownover, Alex Godin, Parker Matson.

Other returners: Seniors: Connor Blasko, Dalton Kristofits. Junior: Will Rishel. Sophomores: Dakota Fetterolf, Garrett Gray, Jake Kosut, Caleb Quick, Nicko Sypa.

Newcomers: Senior: Jarod Koleno. Freshmen: Gavin Emigh, Danny Gray, Nate Mostn, Dawson Snyder, Rayne Terrier.

Strengths: “Last year, we were the league’s youngest team. In 2019, those green players have a year of experience that saw the Mounties take both District 6 2A finalists to double overtime and lead the Mountain League in goals. We return letterwinners at nearly every position.”

Concerns: “Proven attacking strength. The loss of senior forward Kyle Godin is a blow that the team hopes to overcome with a broad cast of speed and skill.”

Overall outlook: “To win the Mountain League, District 6 title, and go as far in the state tournament as skill and luck will allow.”

Assistant coaches: Neal Parks, Bill Mostyn

Junior high coach: Mike Sypa

Tyrone

Coach: Alex Bartlett, first season

Career record: 0-0

Last year’s record: 7-8-1

Conference: Mountain League

Returning starters: Seniors: Corey Johnston, Corbin Nale, Daniel Parker, Alex Roberts, Aiden Taylor, Nick Vasbinder, Nathan Walk. Juniors: Brendan Andrews, Kelton Raabe, Alex Taylor, Mason Thomas.

Other returners: Seniors: Nick DelBaggio, Keegan Raabe. Juniors: Leighton Ahlert, Abe Black, Andrew Tornatore.

Newcomers: Freshmen: Kevin Carper, Brayden Daniels, Addison Feathers, Eric Sims.

Strengths: “Experience. We have plenty of upperclassmen who have been around the program for years. They know how to stay focused and overcome adversity.”

Concerns: “Habits. Being my first year, my coaching staff and I are discovering some hard-to-break habits that the players are showing. With laser focus and attention to detail, we will work these out.”

Overall outlook: “Our team has big goals this season. We have experience, athleticism and great tactical awareness that will help us win many games. I am beyond excited to see how our team will react to the new culture we are trying to implement.”

Assistant coaches: Dustin Elder, Kyle Bartlett

Junior high coaches: Chris Elder, Matt Elder

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