Published: August 27, 2008 10:23 pm      

BOYS SOCCER: Season preview

For the first time in over a quarter century, the Lewiston-Porter boys soccer program won’t be led by Jim Clauss. The legendary coach retired after last season, leaving the job to modified assistant varsity coach Sam Ricotta.

And so far, the former Lew-Port goalie, is having a blast.

“Everything has been positive so far and the kids are having a blast,” he said as his team prepares for their opener Friday at the Sweet Home Tournament. “Now we’re getting serious about the season, working really hard and pushing ourselves.”

Leading Ricotta’s squad is senior midfielder Mike Curatolo, who played on the Western scholastic team this past summer in the Empire State Games. Curatolo will be looked upon to replace both the offense and leadership of Zach Eoute, the Niagara Gazette Player of the Year.

Also back is junior defender P.D. Polley, senior defenders Eric Tower and Tom Magreevy, sophomore goalkeeper Matt Delmonte, senior midfielder David Khatib and junior midfielder Tyler Diez. Ricotta is encouraged by the play of freshman Dylan Krueger.

“I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people in our league,” the coach said. “We should be a tough team. We’re setting our standards high, trying to win the section and the NFL.”

Niagara Falls

The Wolverines believe this is the year their fortunes will take a turn in the right direction as they bring a great deal of talent, according to seventh-year coach Rob Augustino. Junior and third team all-NFL selection Paul Morrison will anchor the defense in front of junior goalkeeper Mike Ciraolo, while junior midfielder Josh Carey is set to lead the offense.

“We are still young, but we hope to improve as there are more veterans on this team than last year,” Augustino said.

Niagara-Wheatfield

First team all-NFL pick Andy Donner was lost to graduation, but third-year coach John Coulter expects this year’s team to be much more balanced with players such as junior midfielder Christian Warchocki and junior defender Derek Kratts.

“We’re still a bit young, but another year of experience for many of our skill positions will help,” Coulter said. “We’re looking to be a more dynamic team that has multiple threats.”

Grand Island

Senior captains Shaun Winter and Tristan Kessler will lead a strong core of returnees for the Vikings, who are coached for the 15th consecutive season by Pete Kuehne.

“We look to make a run for the league title and be at the top of our game come sectional time,” the coach said.

Wilson

The Lakemen and first-year coach Chris Alex have high expectations heading into the Niagara-Orleans League season. N-O teams have had great success in sectional competition with several teams advancing to the state tournament the past few years.

“We are looking very positive and well-rounded,” Alex said. “We have a solid core of seniors who will look to continue the Wilson soccer tradition and go after another league title.”

Leading that charge will be senior strikers Mike Taylor and Odane Todd along with senior midfielder Josh Huesinger. A trio of juniors will lead the defense in Adam Jones, Zac Carlisle and Garrett McIntosh. McIntosh will play the important role of sweeper.

Starpoint

With the loss of two first team all-ECIC III players from a league championship squad, third-year coach Todd Conklin will be relying on a bevy of young players, led by junior striker Rich Barrett. Junior goalkeeper Tim Clark will “help keep (Starpoint) in games,” according to Conklin.

“Our program lost one of its best senior classes ever last year, however, we have a great group of young players joining a core that saw significant time last season,” the coach said. “We will feature a lot of skilled attacking players and are hoping to play an exciting style of soccer.”

Contact reporter Nate Beutel at 282-2311, ext. 2262.



AROUND THE AREA

Seniors Brian Courtney, Zac Hirschbeck, Matt Chase and C.J. Brunner will lead make up the core of 18th-year coach Todd Marquardt’s Kenmore West squad. …Kenmore East and second-year coach Rolfe Freidenberg will be led by seniors James Quinn, Casey Sheehan, Troy Weber, Phil Pinzone and Cody Rouse. …Greg Hoffman, Nick Rosart, Matt Mourgas, Anthony Appiani and Mike Ertel will lead fourth-year coach Tom Stefanucci’s North Tonawanda team. …According to third-year coach Jeff Hulshoff, defending NFL champion Lockport is led by Matt McCoy, Jim May, Chris Paradise and Andrew Granchelli. …No other local teams submitted information.