By Roger Gordon

Correspondent

Preview capsules for Portage County’s high school boys soccer teams for the 2025 season.

AURORA

Head Coach: Louis Kastelic, 12th year overall, 1st year at Aurora.

Coaching Staff: Jason Bibza, Eric Johannisson, Nate Malinowski.

2024 Record: 13-5-1.

Returning Letterwinners (14): Jordan West, sr.; Griffin McMaster, sr.; Owen Peckinpaugh, sr.; Bryce Peckinpaugh, sr.; Chris Savukas, sr.; Clark Furney, sr.; Kade Morgenroth, sr.; Adam Charles, sr.; Josh Guzy, sr.; Travis Chittick, sr.; Nate Wolf; Colton Simmerman, jr.; Chris Gentille, jr.; Barry Wagner, jr.

Letterwinners Lost (5): Coby Conner, Brennan Ries, Parker Seitz, Henrique Soares, Colin Wilson.

Forwards: Cameron Gentille, Jordan West, Adam Charles.

Midfielders: Travis Chittick, Josh Guzy, Clark Furney, Evan Charles, Owen Peckinpaugh, Camden Roy, Chris Savukas, Barry Wagner, Kameron Warnke, sr.

Defenders: Evan Bienkowski, Derek Gordon, Griffin McMaster, Kade Morgenroth, Nate Wolf, Colton Simmerman, Nicky Savukas.

Goalkeepers: Bryce Peckinpaugh, Joseph Fielding.

Underclassmen to Watch: Cameron Gentille, jr.; Barry Wagner, jr.; Camden Roy, fr.

“Cameron and Barry are experienced and good players who can control the ball,” Kastelic said.

“They are very versatile and provide a dynamic that makes our team dangerous going forward and defensively. Camden will contribute a lot, and we look forward to seeing that for the next four years. He brings an element of steadiness to our midfield that can help us get back to who we want to be when the play is chaotic.

General Outlook: “On paper we are a very strong team with a lot of experienced players returning. We have the ability to possess the ball and work it around the field and can create a lot from nothing due to the creativity of our guys. We have multiple players who are dangerous, which will make it tough for teams to defend us. We have tremendous leadership coming from Bryce in goal and through the back from Griffin that helps keep guys organized and in the right mindset. Kameron brings a dynamic to our team as a senior that guys can feed off of, and we can move him around in any position on the field depending on what the game requires.”

CRESTWOOD

Head Coach: Amanda Parsons, 1st year.

Coaching Staff: Michael Presby.

2024 Record: 12-7-1.

Returning Letterwinners: A.J. Brock, sr.; Kade Rotter, sr.; Kyle Shelhamer, sr.; Carmine Baran, jr.; Gio Brock, jr.; Owen Overfield, jr.; Dakota Powers, jr.; Gabe Weaver, jr.; Matt Wright, jr.; Colton Mayle, so.; Ryder Miller, so.; Isaac Siegner, so.

Letterwinners Lost: Elijah Jurisch, Cooper Pausch, Drew Pfost, Sam Wright.

Forwards: Kyle Shelhamer, Ryder Miller, Isaac Siegner.

“A three-year letterwinner, Kyle’s junior year ended with a devastating injury,” Parsons said. “He has put the time and effort into his physical therapy and doesn’t look like he has missed a beat.

He was the second leading scorer on the team last year, and he is going to be exciting to watch, having positioned himself to have a stellar senior year.

“Ryder and Isaac will be an integral part of our offensive attack. All three have incredible speed and are going to get us the opportunities we need.

Midfielders: A.J. Brock, Gio Brock, Dakota Powers, Colton Mayle, Henry Sommers, Evan Goodell.

“All these players have excellent communication skills, can distribute the ball and have the ability to switch the field at any given time. A.J., a three-year letterwinner, plays a key role in the success of the midfield. He will help control the middle with his ability to win 50/50 balls and his physical play.

Defenders: Kade Rotter, Nolan Huntington, Owen Overfield, Colt Byers.

“Our defense will be one to watch this season. These boys are physical, strong and very fast. The symmetry between the four of them is an indicator of how successful this season will be.

Leading these four are center backs Kade and Nolan Huntington. Kade, a three-year letterwinner, would be considered the leader of the defense, anchoring this line and bringing it all together. He has come back after two injuries and has not let it hold him back at all. He arguably could be one of the best defenders to come out of Crestwood.

“Nolan’s athleticism, aggressiveness and ability to adapt has made him a centerpiece of the defense unit.

Goalkeepers: Gabe Weaver; Sam Pausch, so.; Bryce Larch, fr.

“This is something we haven’t had in years, more than one goalkeeper. These three work very hard and play fearlessly. They will all be very exciting to watch for the next few years. We could not go wrong with any of them playing keeper.

Underclassmen to Watch: Isaac Siegner; Colton Mayle; Ryder Miller; Henry Sommers, fr.; Colt Byers, fr.; Evan Goodell, fr.

General Outlook: “The Red Devils have the largest squad we have had in more than a decade. We have 28 players between JV and varsity. We have talent in our starting line and depth on the bench. We have several players who can create, and finish, scoring opportunities for us and a defense that will keep us in any game. We will have an exciting season.”

FIELD

Head Coach: Evan Young, 2nd year overall, 1st year at Field.

Coaching Staff: Kevin Brastine, Jose Tovar.

2024 Record: 16-3-2 overall.

Returning Letterwinners (12): Mitchell Adams, sr.; Cohen Allen, sr.; Luke Lonzrick, sr.; Cedric Martin, sr.; Gavin Phillips, sr.; Wyatt Rahe, sr.; Ethan-Flores Soler, jr.; Nathan Fulks, jr.; Aidan Phillips, jr.; Tyler Doubrava, jr.; Cole Porter, jr.; Kaiden Wilson, jr.

Letterwinners Lost (6): Caleb Brastine, Alec Grimm, Logan Lonzrick, Brayden Ronowski, Liam Waffen, Tucker Paull.

Forwards: Ethan-Flores Soler, Nathan Fulks, Mitchell Adams.

“Ethan is great in one vs. one situations, can manipulate players with his ball skills and has the ability to play other positions as well,” said Young.

Midfielders: Kaiden Wilson, Gavin Phillips.

Defenders: Cohen Allen, Cedric Martin, Wyatt Rahe, Luke Lonzrick.

“Cedric, one of our captains, is a strong center back who is physical, likes to join the attack and is fast.

“Wyatt is calm under pressure, likes to join the attack and can throw a ball about 30-40 yards. He led the team in assists last season with 16.

Goalkeepers: Cole Porter.

Underclassmen to Watch: Nigam Gajmer, jr.; Emmet-Fuents Bonilla, so.; Paxson Silveus, fr.

General Outlook: “We are looking to have another good season. We have quite of few returning players from last season who were on our district championship team.”

GARFIELD

Coaching Staff: Theo Cebulla.

2024 Record: 1-15-1.

Returning Letterwinners (6): Michael Khairallah, sr.; Joseph Peebles, sr.; Andrew Mosier, jr.; Landon Sutton, jr.; Ryan Hall, so.; Wade Hoffstetter, so.

Letterwinners Lost: 8

Defenders: Ryan Hall, Andrew Mosier, Joseph Peebles.

“Those three players work hard and always give 110 percent,” said Cebulla.

Goalkeepers: Michael Khairallah.

“Michael is a captain who will be stepping into the role of keeper for the G-Men.

Underclassmen to Watch: Nate Grabowski, Colton Criblez, Leon Carson, Luke Evans, Ryan Gabbard, Levi Kaiser.

“We are thrilled to have all of them.

General Outlook: “We hope to introduce the game to young, new players who will learn skills and have fun playing the game.”

KENT ROOSEVELT

Head Coach: Garyn Daniels, 6th year, 38-38-15 career record.

2024 Record: 7-9-3 overall.

Returning Letterwinners (11): Payton Crocker, sr.; Simon Hassler, sr.; Braylon Hawthorne, sr.; Simon Khan, sr.; Sammy Snellenberger, sr.; Eli Barkley, jr.; Aaron McKinney, jr.; Holden Morris, jr.; Isan Roberts, jr.; Callaghan Knapp, so.; Cameron Lowe, so.

Letterwinners Lost (10): Alexios Avouris, Cole Christy, Brian Dugan II, David Hamilton, Ian Horak, Max Kenworthy, Tommy Kenworthy, Ethan Nguyen, Finn Obraza, Owen Yeagley.

Forwards: Isan Roberts; Simon Hassler; Simon Khan; Jorden Buterbaugh, sr.; Kellen Obraza, so.; Drezden May, so.; Ian Mikula, fr.

“Our top three goal scorers from last season were Isan Roberts (9), Simon Hassler (7) and Simon Khan (4),” said Daniels. “All three players have great technical ability on the ball as well as great speed to run at back lines and will be looking to improve on their goal totals.

“Kellen will provide quality minutes on the front line with great finishing ability around goal.

“Drezden and Ian will provide great depth with Drezden having a great soccer IQ and Ian being very technical on the ball. Jorden will also provide depth off the bench.

Midfielders: Aaron McKinney; Callaghan Knapp; Holden Morris; Angello Lugo Nino, sr.; Mateo Morelos, jr.; Josiah Atanga, so.

“Aaron has the ability to use both feet and does a great job finding open spaces. Callaghan is coming off a fantastic club season. His technical ability allows him to be dangerous going forward.

“Holden is very tough in the tackle and brings physicality. Angello brings great energy and finishing ability, Mateo has a great feel for the game and brings physicality in the middle and Josiah shows great promise with the ball at his feet.

Defenders: Braylon Hawthorne; Sammy Snellenberger; Payton Crocker; Cameron Lowe; Boe McPeak, sr.; Zachary Gharky, jr.; Alex Huang, so.

“Braylon is the best one vs. one defender on the team and does a great job getting into the offense. Sammy is strong and fast and possesses the ability to use both feet when shooting. Payton is very smart in the back and keeps everyone organized. Cameron possesses great speed in the back and has really grown into the position this offseason.

“Boe is the Swiss army knife, is tough in the tackle and has the ability to fill multiple positions across the back line. Providing depth will be Zachary and Alex.

Goalkeepers: Eli Barkley; Thomas Clarke, so.

“Eli had a fantastic offseason. His long arms allow him to be tough in the air. His shot stopping ability in one vs. one situations has really improved heading into the season, and his leadership helps to keep the back line organized. Thomas will provide depth.

General Outlook: “While inexperienced at some positions, we have several players who have played a lot of quality soccer for the program. We are looking forward to competing with some of the best teams in the area and hope to make a run in the postseason.”

RAVENNA

Head coach: Eric Hedge, 2nd year, 7-10-2 career record.

Coaching Staff: Jeremy Finch, Chase Alexander, Lincoln Hedge.

2024 Record: 7-10-2.

Returning Letterwinners (11): Preston Hatcher, sr.; Jason Hawkins, sr.; Jose Carpenter, sr.; Stephen Presley, jr.; Lucas Garey, jr.; Michael Clark, jr.; Kohen McPeak, jr.; Allain Preval, jr.; Terrill Strickland, jr.; Jack Rainone, jr.; Johnny Adams, so.

Letterwinners Lost (4): Chauncy Walton, Macen Beichler, Derrick Skilton, Lincoln Hedge.

Forwards: Stephen Presley, Lucas Garey.

Midfielders: Jose Carpenter, Preston Hatcher, Kael Jordan, Oliver Lau.

Defenders: Terrill Strickland, Jack Rainone, Ryan Kelly, Jason Hawkins.

Goalkeepers: Johnny Adams.

Underclassmen to Watch: Oliver Lau, so.; Kael Jordan, fr.; Tay Askew, fr.

ROOTSTOWN

Head Coach: Charlie Voth, 32nd year overall, 25th year at Rootstown, 246-152-38 career record.

Coaching Staff: Aaron Miracle, Michael Farkash, Chris Earls.

2024 Record: 13-8 overall.

Returning Letterwinners (12): Ben Smith, sr.; Melvin Acosta, sr.; Landon Rodstrom, sr.; Jacob Sturm, sr.; Noah Zager, jr.; Bryson Scarlett, jr.; Tycho Smolk, jr.; Zach Pastor, jr.; Caleb Fillmore, jr.; Dean Abdlrasul, jr.; Daniell Strebler, so.; Dylan Boland, so.

Letterwinners Lost (5): Owen Burrell, Gianni Damicone, Justin Farkash, Zach Hays, Blake Postlethwait.

Forwards: Melvin Acosta; Logan Brooks, sr.; Landon Rodstrom; Zach Pastor, jr.; Sam Textor, jr.; Nigel Wright, jr.; Oliver Hunt, so.; Zandyr Ammons, fr.; Everett Cone, fr.; Luke Cone, fr.; Chase Frick, fr.; Alex Pastor, fr.; Liam Thomas, fr.

Midfielders: Dylan Boland; Tycho Smolk; Bryson Scarlett; Liam Brokaw, jr.; Zander Frank, jr.; Gabe Baker, fr.; Tyson Rainer, fr.; Jaxson Smith, fr.; Dylan Sturm, fr.; Ethan Textor, fr.

Defenders: Ben Smith, Jacob Sturm, Dean Abdlrasul, Caleb Fillmore.

Goalkeepers: Noah Zager, Daniell Strebler.

General Outlook: “Having 29 rostered players (biggest since 2008-09) allows us to put together a true JV schedule, which will be a great building block for the next few years,” said Voth. “As for varsity games, we have put together one of our tougher schedules that includes multiple district- and regional-level teams from last year’s tournament. Our new conference, the Chagrin Valley Conference – Valley Division, brings what should be a very competitive level to our conference schedule. We have a balanced team with very good speed and high soccer intelligence. Even though we have a younger team, with our possession game, a return to the district final should be well within our reach and expectations for the year.”

SOUTHEAST

Head |Coach: Curtis Ahrens, 12th year overall, 7th year at Southeast, 74-104-13 career record.

Coaching Staff: Justin Hovis, Mark Presley, Dan Ahrens, Brenda Blankenship.

2024 Record: 5-11-2.

Returning Letterwinners (7): Daniel Allen, sr.; Cole Bruno, jr.; Dylan Dorsey, jr.; Ethan Brittingham, jr.; Garret Davis, so.; Bradley Dillon, so.; Jakob Schaffner, so.

Letterwinners Lost (5): Owen Bowers, Matthew Fields, Carter Oyster, Kendrick Campbell, Gavin Buchanan.

Forwards: Bradley Dillon, Matt Ross, so.

Midfielders: Cole Bruno, Ethan Brittingham, Dylan Dorsey, Jakob Schaffner.

“We have a solid group,” Ahrens said.

Defenders: Daniel Allen, Jakob Schaffner, Jr. Flores, fr.

Goalkeepers: Garret Davis.

“Garret had a breakout season last year. He took over goalie duties halfway through the 2024 season and has not looked back. He has put in a lot of offseason training, and we look to him to organize and lead our defense.

Underclassmen to Watch: Garret Davis, Bradley Dillon, Jr. Flores.

General Outlook: “We are a very young team and look to work on the fundamentals while we get to know each other and our strengths and weaknesses. We have limited numbers, but what we lack in quantity we make up with grit, determination and tenacity. We look to be competitive and in every game while we hope to build off of last year’s development.”

STREETSBORO

Head Coach: Jason Gasbarre, 1st year.

Coaching Staff: Anthony Savoca.

2024 Record: 7-11 overall.

Returning Letterwinners (6): Gabe Nascimento, sr.; Ethan Laryea, sr.; Nick Castrilla, jr.; Logan Sadowski, jr.; Ty Zipprich, jr.; Zaciah Cook, so.

Letterwinners Lost (6): Vince Incorvati, Curtis Cook, Payton Krzeminski, Frank Dottore, Liam McDonnough, Matt Klimak.

Forwards: Nick Castrilla, Zaciah Cook.

“Zaciah is developing into a strong striker and, working with Nick’s experience and talent, will

help build on what he already brings to the team,” said Gasbarre.

Midfielders: Gabe Nascimento; Ethan Laryea; Logan Sadowski; Ty Zipprich; Geo Francis, jr.; Graham Jonas, fr.; Joao Nascimento; fr.; Mohammad Shaikh, fr.

“Ethan is my coach on the field and has plenty of talent to go along with his leadership abilities.

Defenders: Chris Daniels, sr.; Tyler Sessler, fr.; Nathan Schoenherr, fr.; Colin Scalia, fr.; Asahel Casetal, fr.; Evan Gasbarre, fr.

Goalkeepers: Preston Krzeminski, fr.

General Outlook: “Obviously, we’re a very young team. With the loss of some key starters, we will be looking for some freshmen to step in and fill some of those roles. I look forward to the returning letterwinners to mentor our freshman class and get them up to the level of play needed to compete at the high school level.”

WATERLOO

Head Coach: Brian Spence.

Coaching Staff: Kyle Biltz, Aaron Hart, Mason Sweitzer.

2024 Record: 6-12-1 overall.

Returning letterwinners (12): Charles Kalail, sr.; Sam Russell, sr.; Miles Cary, sr.; Chris Dewald,

 r.; Mason Biltz, jr.; Matt Wolfe, jr.; Evann Gallagher, jr.; Jayden Martin, jr.; Dylan Heath, jr.; Garrett Clites, so.; Zach Mignano, so.; Grant Reynolds, so.

Letterwinners Lost (4): Caleb Scheifele, Gavin Overholt, Vince Mori, Jeremiah Willis.

Forwards: Mason Biltz, Sam Russell, Charles Kalail, Dylan Heath.

Said Spence, “We expect a lot from Mason, Sam is an exceptional athlete and great leader, Charles has great intensity and is constantly moving while Dylan is a smart player and knows the game.

Midfielders: Garrett Clites, Chris Dewald, Jayden Martin, Matt Wolfe, Grant Reynolds, David Linsay, Tristan Plummer.

“Chris, Grant and Tristan all have good footwork and are smart players. Garrett has an excellent feel for the game and has great feet, Jayden is a good, physical player with good intensity, Matt is a smart player and is team captain while David is a great athlete and wants to get better every day.

Defenders: Zach Mignano, Evann Gallagher, Miles Cary.

“All three are smart players. Miles has good feet.

Goalkeepers: Micah Cottrell.

“Micah is a great athlete and is smart but inexperienced.

General Outlook: “We should do well this year. We have a very good bunch of kids who are hungry and smart.”