Conneaut Eagles
Boys
Coach (season, record): Alan Wise (2nd season, 2-15-1)
2011 overall record: 2-15-1
2011 region record (place): 0-9-1 (sixth)
2011 playoff results: Did not qualify for the District 10 Class AA playoffs.
Top players lost: None
Top returning players: Nick Stockton, Brett Birkmire, Tyler Bone, Tanner Houck, Tanner Williams, Brandon Jackson, Tommy Mullen, Tanner Dittrich
Assistant coach: Ryan Kozlowski
Outlook: Conneaut’s soccer teams weren’t affected much but the merger in the offseason. The Eagles already had a three-school co-op for soccer between Conneaut Lake, Conneaut Valley and Linesville under the Conneaut Valley banner. Conneaut had high hopes last season before injuries to six starters, two for the season and four for half of the season, ended dreams of the playoffs. The Eagles have everyone back this fall and could make a serious run not only at the playoffs but the region title as well. Tyler Bone returns after a terrific sophomore season. Bone was voted to the all-region second team on defense and will be a three-year starter this fall. Nick Stockton is back for his third year starting at keeper, while Brett Birkmire, Tanner Houck, Tanner Williams, Brandon Jackson and Tommy Mullen return as three-year starters. Tanner Dittrich gives Conneaut eight returning starters with multiple years of experience. Nate Graham, a senior, missed last year with an injury but the striker is back and could be a difference-maker. Ethan Mona could also be an impact player after switching over from the football team. Conneaut will be the only Class AA team in Region 1 but the region competition could be brutal. Mercer and Kennedy Catholic are returning powerhouses and the Eagles may need to contend for the region title to make the playoffs as an at-large team.
Schedule
September
1 at Girard 10 a.m.
4 Titusville 4:30
10 Saegertown 4:30
15 at Meadville 6
17 at West Middlesex* 4
19 Mercer* 4:30
20 at Saegertown 4
25 Sharpsville* 4:30
27 Kennedy Catholic* 4:30
October
1 at Commodore Perry* 4
3 West Middlesex* 4:30
6 at Grove City 1:30
9 at Mercer* 7:30
11 at Sharpsville* 4
15 at Kennedy Catholic* 4
17 Commodore Perry* 4:30
18 Meadville 4:30
*Region 1 matches
Girls
Coach (season, record): Brian Kebort (6th season, 42-46-3)
2011 overall record: 9-8-1
2011 region record (place): 3-2-1 (third)
2011 playoff results: Did not qualify for the District 10 Class AA playoffs.
Top players lost: Lauren Smith, Rachael Hazen, Erika Krachkowski, Kenzie Hughes, Kaelyn Betts, Lexi Hughes
Top returning players: Keri Scott, Michaela Morrell
Assistant coach: Lynn Cyphert
Outlook: The only change the Conneaut girls soccer team went through with the merger is dropping Valley from its name. The three schools were already a co-op and weren’t affected by the consolidation. The Eagles will have to deal with the graduation of eight starters, however. Lauren Smith, Rachael Hazen, Erika Krachkowski, Kenzie Hughes, Kaelyn Betts and Lexi Hughes are all-region players that have graduated for Conneaut. Hazen (offense) and Krachkowski (defense) were first-team selections, while Kenzie Hughes (offense), Lexi Hughes (defense), Betts (offense) and Smith (offense) were on the second team. Conneaut will turn to the leadership of juniors Keri Scott and Michaela Morrell. Both were named to the all-region second team with Scott on offense and Morrell on defense. Conneaut has nine returning letter-winners but they combined for only 10 goals last fall. With almost an entirely new starting lineup this year, chemistry will be important if the Eagles want to find their way into the postseason. Conneaut will also need a big effort from the underclassmen to provide depth and support the starting lineup. Conneaut has some work to do in order to qualify for the D-10 AA playoffs. Region 3 is loaded with Class A contenders like Fairview and North East and Conneaut’s region schedule should show the Eagles where they need to be to contend.
Schedule
September
6 Eisenhower* 4
7 at Cambridge Springs 4:30
10 Fairview* 4:30
13 at Titusville 4
15 at Meadville 2
18 at Iroquois* 7
20 Maplewood* 4
24 North East* 4
26 at Seneca* 4:30
29 Meadville 11 a.m.
October
2 at Eisenhower* 4
4 at Fairview* 4:30
6 Titusville 4
10 Iroquois* 4
11 Cambridge Springs 4
16 at Maplewood* 4:30
18 at North East* 4
22 Seneca* 4:30
*Region 3 matches
Sunday: Corry
– Tom Reisenweber
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