Howell Central Returns Experienced Team, Looks to Make Noise In Conference Play

Save for a four-game losing streak in mid-October and a heart-breaking loss to rival Francis Howell North in the district championship game, the Francis Howell Central boys varsity soccer team had a brilliant season in 2010.

Howell Central went 14-8-2 last year, with wins againt several teams that did win their districts. At times, the Spartans even looked like it just might be one of the best teams in the state.

“We had a really good group last year,” Howell Central head coach Derek Phillips said. “They were very experienced, and played really well together.”

The Spartans only lose four seniors from the 2010 squad coming into this year, and Phillips believes the group he’s got this year, might be the one that could get Howell Central back to elite status in the conference and in the state playoffs.

“We definitely want to build off (last year),” Phillips said. “We’ve got 12 seniors and 10 juniors this year. That’s a group we can win with.”

The leader on the field this year for Howell Central will be junior scoring dynamo Brett Hodges.  Despite his youth, Hodges was named to the GAC South all-conference team last year after finishing second in the conference in scoring with 18 goals and seven assists.

“He’s a fantastic finisher,” Phillips said. “If he gets a chance in front of the net, he can usually put it away. It’s important for us though, to not be complacent and expect Brett to do all the scoring for us. We’re going to need other guys to step up and take some of the scoring slack too.”

Players likely to help with the scoring for Howell Central this year, include senior midfielders Stephen Rozycki and Ryan Miller, and senior forward Tyler Keane.

Phillips also listed juniors Nic Powers and Matt Martindale as players capable of scoring for the Spartans this year.

On the backline, Phillips said there were a number of candidates battling for spots on the field, with senior Tim McCormack and junior Jake Schaefering leading the list for potential starting positions.

In goal, Howell Central brings back senior and three-year starter Levi Morris, who was fifth in the GAC South with nine wins last year, after finishing second in that category with 14 in 2009.

“We’re gonna have to work to be ready (for the season),” Phillips said. “The key is how quickly we can jell together. The fitness component is important too. We play so much that we’ve gotta be in shape and be ready to take the toll.”

The Spartans will find out just how fit they are, when the season begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31, when Howell Central will take a trip to Chesterfield to take on Parkway Central High in a non-conference game.

The first home game of the season for the Spartans is set for 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 1, when Howell Central will host Granite City (IL) at Don Muench Statdium in a non-league game.