The Boys’ High School Soccer Team enters the start of a new season with high expectations, carrying the weight of an incredible 25-1 record, a WPIAL Class 3A Championship, and a runner-up finish in the PIAA Class 3A State Championship from last year. They hopefully can have an amazing, if not better, run this year. The records may make it seem that the boys make it easy to win, however the work behind the scenes shows why they are as successful as they are. The boys had to go through a brutal preseason week having practices starting in the morning at 6:00am to 8:00am and 7:30pm-9:30pm at night. This really sets the tone for a season filled with focus, disciple, and a want for wins. This year, they are prepared to prove that they have what it takes to win it all.
Coach Tyler Blake, who miraculously won his seventh WPIAL title and made his second appearance in the state title game in program history last year, knows how to lead these boys to victory. Every practice is filled with intensity, hard work, and one common goal: to win.
With every new season, valuable seniors leave the team. Two seniors, Aedan Costa and Evan Thomas had led the Tigers with a combined total of 41 goals in the 2024-2025 season, their senior season. Aedan contributed 23 of the 41 goals and Evan had 18. Now for this year, that gives an opportunity for younger players to step up and take on the top goal scoring aspect. Already with the season just coming to a start, senior Eric Haupt leads with 6 goals and junior Hayden Dunn with 5. Both players are motivated and determined to carry the scoring load and make an impact just like last year’s scorers.
Each individual on the team brings their own routines and perspectives to the field. Junior Ryan Bures thinks the team is “well prepared” for this season. Some have pregame rituals like listening to music and wearing certain gear they consider as “lucky.” Another junior, Logan Neff opened up about the challenging aspect of balancing school, practice, and games, and the discipline it takes to be successful on and off the field. He thinks that balancing these key aspects are “challenging but worth doing” and that he finds ways to maneuver around them.
The bond for this team can carry on throughout life, not just on the field. No matter if this season is filled with wins or losses, they will always know they can have each other’s backs to persevere through it. The Tigers are ready to take on anything this season.
