The soccer team repeats a hot start this season starting off 8-1, and ranked seventh in the nation according to Top Drawer Soccer.  The team is led by senior captains Josh Kirkland, Matt Shriner, and Austin King.  Both Kirkland and King will pursue soccer at the college level.  Kirkland is attending The University of Mary Washington, while King is attending Longwood University.

“Our goals for the season are definitely what everyone expects, which is states. It will not be easy, but everyone is willing to accept the challenge,” Kirkland said.

Despite losing some of last year’s star defenders, including Ryan Hall and Alex Saur, their replacements have stepped up and shined.  The starting defense consists of two seniors, Ryan Teal and Chase Kamencik, junior Jake Bogaz, and sophomore Kevin Sprince.  These players have worked together to force two shut outs on the season, propelling Deep Run to victory.

“We have a whole new defense this year but so far we’ve audjusted well.  We function well together and make we just try to make it tough for other team’s offenses to score.  Winning is the only goal,” Kamencik said.

Apr. 9 marked a key win for the Wildcats as they defeated Cosby 3-1, who were ranked eighth in the nation according to Top Drawer Soccer.  A goal by senior Luke Lowry within the first thirty seconds put the Wildcats in the driver’s seat the majority of the game.  The two other goals were scored by senior Ismail Taoufik and lead goal scorer Josh Kirkland, who has thirteen goals and ten assists on the season.

“We play like every game is our last game of the season. That really pushes us to succeed,” Kirkland said.

As the team is in the midst of the regular season, the team looks to get back to where they were last year.  Upcoming games include Meadowbrook on Apr. 30, Freeman on May 2, and Godwin at home on May 10.

“We are excited to play Godwin at home after losing at their place. It will be a very competitive game,” Kirkland said.

The varsity team has emerged into a powerhouse in the 804 area, and has high hopes to bring home a state title.