Chartiers Valley boys ready to defend WPIAL title

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, August 26, 2017 | 12:51 AM

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It will be hard for the Chartiers Valley boys soccer team to match last season's success.

But the Colts are ready to give it a try.

The team captured its first WPIAL title since 2001 and fifth overall last year. Chartiers Valley returns seven starters from a team that went 18-5.

“This group of seniors has been with us all four years,” coach Garrett Mac­Kenzie said. “They have been here for the struggles and for the success. They have really adopted the attitude the staff has tried to instill.”

Leading the attack will be seniors Jimmy Boyle and Josh DiMatteo. Both were all-section and all-WPIAL selections last season. They will be joined by senior Nate Wood. Senior midfielders Jake Hackett and Anthony Chiurazzi will provide support to the talented attack.

The defense will be led by center backs Baxter Eckenrode, an all-section honorable mention, and Johnny Henderson. Lennon Zrimsek started most of the season on defense, and Jon Uher was used as a utility guy on the defensive end of the field.

The team will rely on a pair of seniors new to the team in front of the net — James Moore and David Verduci, who both compete in other sports at Chartiers Valley.

“They are both good athletes,” Mac­Kenzie said. “They are adjusting to playing for a team looking to defend a WPIAL title. We need to be ready because we will have a target on our backs.”

Carlynton, meanwhile, will be starting over with a new coach. Nick Showman, a former player at South Fayette and La Roche, will take over after the Cougars went 1-14-3 last season. He is the team's third coach in as many seasons.

“I think I have a unique mindset because I dealt with coaching change as a player,” Showman said. “These guys are tough and are ready to put work in.”

The Cougars have a trio of players to lead the attack in seniors Chris Wichelns and Owen Kalimon and junior Gabe Prepelka.

“They have a chemistry that you cannot teach,” Showman said. “It has developed from playing with each other for years. They make passes and do things you can't see as a coach.”

Junior Dan Schultz will be a force on defense. The team will have two goalkeepers competing for time in senior Nathan Robb and junior Matt Hilarzewski.

Bishop Canevin will be contending with a young roster. The team lost 10 graduates from last season's team that went 10-9 and reached the WPIAL Class A playoffs.

“We think some of the younger guys looking to contribute gives us depth,” Bishop Canevin coach Jim Bull said. “But there will be a learning curve with some of the freshmen and sophomores playing at this level for the first time.”

Senior Jack Shorthouse will be a catalyst for the offense. The attack-minded midfielder is contending with an injury early, but Bishop Canevin expects the all-section selection to bounce back.

The defense will get a boost with the return of senior Chucky Rakaczky and junior Jared Witwicki. Jared Kindle will step in at goalkeeper after playing in the junior varsity ranks last season

“He saw a small amount of varsity time last season,” Bull said. “We think he has the potential, and we're throwing him into the fire.”

Nathan Smith is a freelance writer.

Tags: Bishop Canevin, Carlynton, Chartiers Valley