Wildcat Boys Soccer

RecordStaffAugust 28, 2014Last Updated: August 28, 2014

2 minutes read

Senior Dominated, New League

Returning letter winners for Central Mountain boys’ soccer are from left: Kevin Hunt, David Kohen, Daniel Brinker, Emery Watson, Jeremy Condo, Philip Brinker, Kline Williams, Earl Eaton and Morton Wallison.

BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP – The road map says “east” this year for the Central Mountain boys soccer team and that’s okay with coach Jeff Brinker.

For the first time the Wildcats are a member of the Heartland Conference, a District 4 league of generally smaller schools, other than rival Williamsport.

But the soccer is very good, Brinker quickly notes, and the schedule will be challenging. Besides the Millionaires, other members of the league’s Division I are Selinsgrove, Shamokin, Shikellamy, Montoursville, Mifflinburg and Milton.

Brinker likes that virtually every regular season game will count in the league race, in addition to counting for seeding points for the post-season (which will still occur in District 6).

And he likes the versatility of his returnees: eight letter-winners from a team which went 9-7-2 a year ago.

Back in goal is David Kohen; the backline is likely to include Kline Williams, Emory Watson and Kevin Hook. Coach Brinker says sons Dan and Phil Brinker could be defenders or could be midfielders.

Watson too can move to midfield where Tom Eaton returns as a starter and Ry Gallagher is back up front. Another returning letter-winner is Jeremy Condo.

Two freshmen, Matt Storeman and Micah Brinker (yes, younger brother of Dan and Phil), are among those vying for playing time.

Brinker termed the returnees a “strong contingent…one able to hold our own.” He also is happy with the turnout of 38 players, the most in recent years.

Because of the league commitment, home and away with the six other Division I members, the Wildcats have room for only two non-league games (Altoona and Hollidaysburg from District 6) plus this Saturday’s Commissioners’ Cup kickoff tourney at the West Branch soccer fields.

The Wildcat tourney opener is set for 10 a.m. against Huntingdon, followed by a 3:30 p.m. contest with Bloomsburg. Selinsgrove, a regular season opponent for Central Mountain, is the fourth team so the Wildcats will not play them. A point system will be used to determine the tourney champion.

Junior varsity games will be held at the same time at the varsity encounters and there also will be a junior high event.
The Wildcats’ regular season opener will be a key early matchup, next Thursday at home with Williamsport.