BOYS SOCCER
The goal is two-fold for the Greyhounds on the soccer field as the season begins. On one hand, there’s a desire to build up early-season momentum, a path that began with Tuesday’s season-opener against Northside that will continue with a Feb. 7 home opener against GMC Prep, part of a mix of non-region matches leading into region play on March 3.
The other is for younger faces to step up following the graduation of eight seniors from last year’s team. It’s a work in progress, and one that head coach Will Cowart is excited about in year two at the helm. It’s why last Thursday’s lopsided scrimmage loss to Veterans was absolutely no cause of concern.
“I told them all week that I didn’t care what the score was,” Cowart said. “I wanted to evaluate and see how well we competed. We got ran around by an elite team, and these guys competed their tails off. We had guys cramping left and right because they were running around so much.”
Early on this season, multiple Greyhounds have stepped up all over the pitch, starting on the back end where Cowart says the play of Justin Flippen has helped lead the way. On the opposite end, Brendan Waters, Kamani Stokes and Levi Skinner, who played significant roles a season ago, will look to continue that momentum on a team that has an infusion of talent, as well. Though not yet with the team, Jacob Jackson, who already plays both football and basketball for Jones County, will join the soccer team, bringing athleticism that Cowart plans to use.
“We’ll look for wherever the best fit on the field is for him.” Cowart said.
JCHS will be tested early beyond GMC Prep, with early contests against Stratford on Feb. 13 and Ace Charter on Feb. 16.
