Valley boys chasing 1st playoff berth since ’12

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, August 31, 2017 | 10:33 PM

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Jared Buzzell and Dom Bayne were pretty direct when stating this season's goal for the Valley boys soccer team.

“I just want to make playoffs,” Bayne said.

“For my senior year, I want to be in the playoffs,” Buzzell said.

Buzzell and Bayne are the captains of an experienced Vikings team that has 10 seniors, and they hope to guide them into the postseason for the first time since 2012.

Bayne, a senior, is a midfielder, and Buzzell is a forward.

The Vikings have a new coach in Marty Mandak, but he is a familiar face. Mandak was an assistant the last three years under Steve Feroce, who stepped down after last season for work-related reasons. Feroce remained with the staff as a volunteer assistant.

Mandak, who played at Valley from 2006-10, said the team's experience will be a big advantage compared to seasons past. That starts with Buzzell and Bayne, who will be counted on for production, along with senior midfielder Josh Telles.

“Jared will be our striker and Dom pretty much bosses the midfield both offensively and defensively,” Mandak said. “In our two preseason scrimmages we had a lot of good to say about (Telles). If he keeps his head on straight, he'll do well. I expect those three to be our top scorers.”

Bayne started playing soccer his freshman season. Buzzell has played since kindergarten, but he opted to play football his freshman year before returning to soccer. They both take their responsibility as captain with pride.

“It feels good,” Bayne said. “I want my leadership to help us make the playoffs this year.”

“It means a lot to be a captain,” Buzzell said. “I have a lot of people looking up to me. I want to do my best in front of them to help them improve themselves.”

The Vikings will need to replace last year's starting goalkeeper, Alex Ward, who decided to play football this fall. Ward was a standout in net for Valley and his presence will be missed, but Mandak understands Ward's decision.

“He made a lot of noise in the section last year, but we had a lot of talks throughout the summer, and he wanted to play football,” Mandak said. “I want him to be where he wants to be. I don't want him to come out and play just for his sheer talent and him not want to be here. I wish him luck. I know he can be a great football player. He's pretty much a natural athlete in whatever sport he wants to play. I'm excited to see what he can do.”

If the Vikings are going to reach the postseason for the first time in six years they'll have to navigate Section 2-AA. Freeport and Shady Side Academy are expected to be favorites, but Valley hopes to jockey for the final two playoff berths with Deer Lakes, Mt. Pleasant, Burrell and Derry. The Vikings are looking to break a 12-year winless streak against rival Burrell.

“I think we can be competitive with Burrell, Derry and Mt. Pleasant, and if we can split some games against the top teams in our section I don't see why we don't have a chance this year,” Mandak said. “If we can get a full 80 minutes, I think we'll be all right. We can't give up five minutes of lazy play, because that is something that we can't afford.”

Jerin Steele is a freelance writer.

Tags: Valley