4A SIC boys soccer preview: The top players, favorites and dark horses in a new-look league
Boys soccer in the 4A Southern Idaho Conference saw a major shakeup this offseason. New teams, new coaches and new favorites dot a league that has won four straight state titles.
Coaches split on Caldwell and Vallivue for the preseason favorite in a poll conducted by the Idaho Statesman. Meanwhile, Skyview rejoined the league and vaulted over reigning state champ Bishop Kelly in the preseason predictions.
It sets up an exciting battle for SIC supremacy. Below is what to watch for from each team, including their top players and how they’ll look this season.
T-1. CALDWELL COUGARS
Last season: 15-5-2, 11-2-1 4A SIC
Coach: Rhys Yeakley, 10th season
Players to watch: Axel Gonzalez, sr., M/F; Jaden Pineda, sr., F; Yahir Esquivel, sr., M; Israel Arizmendi, sr., D
The reigning district champs return eight starters and enough firepower to challenge anyone in the 4A classification.
Look for all-state forwards Gonzalez and Pineda to run the show, as Pineda (10 goals, 18 assists) can find Gonzalez (19 goals, three assists) at any given moment on the field. Esquivel, a four-year starter, will also contribute to the attack with his strong vision and tireless engine.
T-1. VALLIVUE FALCONS
Last season: 11-8-2, 7-5-2, 4A SIC
Coach: Christian Adamson, sixth season
Players to watch: Alex Barragan, sr., F; David Campos, sr., M; Eduardo Huitron, sr., D
The Falcons return two first-team all-conference selections in Barragan and Campos, creating a dangerous duo, and they have plenty of depth around them.
Huitron is poised for a breakout season after a stellar junior campaign, making Vallivue one of the most complete teams in the conference. Adamson said the group expects to contend for district and state titles.
3. SKYVIEW HAWKS
Last season: 8-8-2, 4-5-2 5A SIC
Coach: Manny Reynoso, fifth season
Players to watch: Not available
Skyview did not respond to multiple requests to participate in the Statesman’s preview over the past three weeks.
4. BISHOP KELLY KNIGHTS
Last season: 17-2-3, 12-0-2 4A SIC
Coach: Eneko Bereziartua, first season
Players to watch: Colton Crawford, sr., F; Andrew Nguyen, jr., F/W; Justin McGrew, so., GK; Noah Larson, sr., M
Bereziartua returns to coach his alma mater. but he’ll have a difficult task in attempting to repeat last year’s state championship run.
Only four players return, but Crawford (26 goals, five assists), a first-team all-state forward, will keep defenses busy. Beside him is Nguyen, who can stretch the field as either a forward or winger.
The Knights will introduce a new defense after the entire back line graduated. McGrew — last year’s backup goalkeeper until the district and state tournaments — will look to keep them afloat.
T-5. RIDGEVUE WARHAWKS
Last season: 6-13-0, 4-10-0 4A SIC
Coach: Rene Gutierrez, first season
Players to watch: Michael Duran, sr., F; Tye De Souza, jr., F
Ridgevue starts fresh — a whole new starting 11 and a new coach. And a large pack of freshmen headline the refreshed group.
Duran and De Souza will be called upon to lead the Warhawks. Duran can spark the attack with his speed of play, while De Souza provides technical abilities to keep opponents guessing.
T-5. COLUMBIA WILDCATS
Last season: 9-8-3, 7-5-2 4A SIC
Coach: Noah Weitzman, first season
Players to watch: Not available
Columbia did not respond to multiple requests to participate in the Statesman’s preview over the past three weeks.
7. EMMETT HUSKIES
Last season: 0-18-0, 0-14-0 4A SIC
Coach: Kevin Solis, second season
Players to watch: Stephen Dubowsky, jr., M; Eddy Arteaga, jr., D; Ezra Andelin, jr., M
The Huskies look to turn it around after a winless season. Solis said physicality and speed can help the program ruffle feathers in the conference.
A trio of juniors will lead the way, including a pair of strong and technically gifted midfielders in Dubowsky and Andelin. Arteaga has the speed to stick with any forward challenging him in front of goal.
This story was originally published August 19, 2022 at 12:44 PM.