Brock Netter

Brock is SOSA's primary writer and has worked for the Coshocton Tribune, the Kankakee Daily Journal (Ill.), the Vinton-Jackson Courier and the Jackson Telegram. He's a six-time award-winning journalist, a lifelong WWE fan, a suffering Bengals fan and calls the sidelines his home.

BOYS SOCCER: 10 players to keep an eye on this fall

July 28, 2024
, 4:59 pm
, Features

These 10 players are poised for big years on the soccer pitch.

Brock Netter, Staff Writer

Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.

It’s been two long months. But now, a new fall sports season is just weeks away.

The fall calendar brings promise in our area as several programs always seem to turn late-season momentum into historic postseason runs. That’s especially true on the soccer pitch.

Last fall, we had three boys programs win district titles — South Webster, Wheelersburg and Fairfield Union. We expect more of the same in 2024 with rosters full of talent and expectations in place.

So as we get reacquainted with the soccer pitch, here’s a list of 10 players in our coverage area, and in no particular order, to keep an eye on this fall.

NOTE: This certainly does not mean there aren’t other players who will have great seasons. This is simply a list of 10 players we’ve randomly compiled.

Ethan Hochstetler, Wheelersburg

He’s been a mainstay for the Pirates for the last three seasons. But he really got a chance to show his talents last year. Helping to bring another district title back to Wheelersburg, he finished the season with 15 goals and 11 assists. The Pirates scored 108 goals last year, but 52 of them are gone with the graduation of Max Hagans. Watch for Hochstetler to have a huge year.

Hunter Barnard, South Webster

All Barnard needed was one shot last season. He got that shot and became a South Webster legend. Now, he’s just adding to his legacy. His overtime goal in the Sweet 16 propelled the Jeeps to a regional final for the first time since 2019. The Jeeps are completely reloaded this season, led by Barnard. Expect more of the same.

Jack Whaley, Ironton St. Joe

The Flyers are never short of outstanding players who can score. Whaley showcased to be a perfect fit as a freshman. He helped win 14 games and make a district semifinal appearance while finding the back of the net 10 times and passing out 18 assists. He’s only going to improve, which is scary, considering he’s got three years left to do so.

Beckett Camden, Gallia Academy

Gallia was very young last season, but Camden stepped to the forefront and led the Blue Devils to a sectional championship by scoring 19 goals and passing nine assists, both of which were team highs. Two years ago, this program was lifting its first-ever district championship, and with Camden plus a reloaded roster with a year of experience, it could happen again.

Zane Trace’s Ivan Chavez scored 22 goals and passed out 25 assists last season.
CREDIT: *Derrick Webb/SOSA*

Ivan Chavez, Zane Trace

Zane Trace had five players score 10 or more goals last season, a group led by Chavez, who turned in an All-Ohio season with 22 goals and 25 assists. This year, it’s completely his show. Luckily, he’s proven that he alone is more than a handful for most teams to handle. He’s quick-footed, smart with the ball and finds the net with the greatest of ease.

Tyler Hines, Amanda-Clearcreek

Last season, the Aces, as a team, scored 41 goals. Hines had 15 of those scores, and he’s now the go-to guy this season. They won just five games last year, but ended the season winning three of their last five. With a year of experience and most of its team back this season — led by Hines — watch out for the Aces.

Gabe Polcyn, Fairland

Polcyn was lightning in a bottle for the Dragons, who won a sectional title for the first time in school history last season thanks to his 19 goals. By the way, that was 19 of the team’s 33 total goals scored on the season. He was the OVC Player of the Year, and he’s back for more. Back lines beware, if Polcyn has the ball within 20 yards, it’s game over.

Issac Eyre, Lynchburg-Clay

In soccer, all of the focus is on the players with the ball at their feet. However, goalies are players, too, and Eyre has showcased himself to be among the best in Southeast Ohio. As the last line of defense for the Mustangs, he came up with 116 saves last season. He’s not afraid to throw caution, and his body, to the wind to give his team the best chance at winning.

Wesley Bailey, Hillsboro

The FAC is a bit more open this year, compared to yearss past. With Bailey leading the Indians, it could be their year. He returns up top after leading the team with 14 goals and nine assists last fall. Hillsboro won just six games last season, but with a year of experience and a returning bonafide goal scorer, the Indians could be a sneaky league title contender.

Cole Rowley, Fairfield Union

Fairfield Union won’t look the same this year, considering 12 seniors from last season’s district title team are gone. However, Rowley is back and the team will go as he goes. He was second on the team in goals with 16, and passed our four assists. When things break down, expect him to be the Falcons’ go-to guy.