PENDLETON — The Pendleton Heights boys soccer season of 2018 will be an exciting one for both the team and fans, coach Kyle Davy said.
The team’s potential was evident before play even began, Davy said.
“From team camps and some showcase games, I’m excited and encouraged. We have a lot of promise,” he said.
In summer play, the Arabians tied with Noblesville and defeated Cathedral, who were sectional champions last year.
Last season, Davy said the team fell a little short of its goals, finishing the season just above .500. It lost 12 seniors to graduation. However, those who are returning have varsity experience, and Davy said they hit the preseason training hard.
Davy is expecting some big things from his players, including seniors Ethan Schitter, Abe Bolson, Jacob Spires and Mason Fridley.
Bolson brings extended playing time from last season to this year’s team, and team captain Fridley is a four-year varsity veteran who will lead the Arabians’ defensive effort.
Spires scored the winning goal over Bishop Chatard in a 1-0 scrimmage Aug. 9.
Along with veteran seniors, Pendleton Heights has the benefit of a multitude of juniors who will not only be a core this year but will also help set the stage for next season. They include starter Kai Moore, along with Maverick Hamilton, Daniel Aker and Alex Nelson.
Because soccer does not have a Madison County tournament, the Hoosier Heritage Conference title is one of the big prizes the Arabians are shooting for.
“I’ve seen several teams over the summer who are capable,” Davy said. He wants the team to bring home the traveling bell trophy as HHC champs. It’s an attainable goal, but not an easy one. The HHC is home to heavy competition.
The HHC isn’t the only part of the Arabians’ schedule that proves to be rough. Fishers and Westfield are on the list, and the team is part of the Westfield Invitational set for September.
The Arabians have strong leadership, but one more asset as well: Pendleton Heights has depth.
“This is not always the case,” Davy said, “but we’re pretty deep from top to bottom.”
He said the Arabians are blessed with multiple players who can play in multiple positions game after game.
Davy especially wants his team to have a strong showing in its home games.
By the end of play this season, the Arabians should go into post-season play at their best. They intend to make a deep run at the sectional title.
“We have the right pieces and the right players in place to make that happen,” Davy said.
Going into the season with a high level of confidence will undoubtedly push the Arabians in the direction they want to go.
“We’re going to be competitive,” Davy said. “I think we’re going to surprise some people this year.”
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Senior Mason Fridley embraces his role as captain for the Arabian boys soccer team.
He’s a four-year starter with the experience and passion to lead.
Fridley is a defensive guy at center mid-field. His first role is to keep his teammates balanced.
“Things get hectic, and there’s nerves. I have to keep them from getting out of control both on and off the field,” Fridley said.
But as a leader, Fridley understands his role is not to be overbearing, but instead he has to lead the team into a game.
It’s easier to lead when the captain has an extreme love for the game.
“I love this team. I love soccer. I love that the game is not one person doing a job, but all 11 players are part of a working body,” Fridley said.
Along with his coach, Fridley believes an Arabian sectional title is very feasible.
“We believe we have the ability.”
Because so much is different from the middle school game to high school, Fridley has advice for younger players. The physicality of the game is much more intense, and younger players need to hit the weight room and be well conditioned.
“Be prepared for anything,” Fridley said. “The (game) is faster and more physical.”
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Thursday, Aug. 16
@ Hamilton Heights 7 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 20
Vs. Burris 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 22
Vs. Anderson Preparatory Academy (Madison County Tournament) 5 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 23
@ open date (Madison County Tournament) 5 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 24
@ open date (Madison County Tournament) 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 28
Vs. Greenfield-Central 7 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 30
Vs. Anderson 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 4
@ Marion 7 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 6
@ Fishers 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 8
@ Westfield invite-open date TBA
Tuesday, Sept. 11
Vs. Yorktown 7 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 13
@ Delta 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 15
Vs. Westfield-Washington 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 18
@ New Castle 7 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 20
@ Mt. Vernon (Fortville) 7 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 24
Vs. Oak Hill 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 25
@ Shelbyville 7 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 27
Vs. New Palestine 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 2
@ sectional (Hamilton Southeastern)
Thursday, Oct. 4
PH boys soccer @ sectional (Hamilton Southeastern)
Saturday, Oct. 6
@ sectional (Hamilton Southeastern) TBA
Saturday, Oct. 13
@ regional TBA
Saturday, Oct. 20
@ semistate TBA
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Varsity
00 Ethan Hunt, senior
1 Jacob Spires, senior
2 Myles Mitchem, junior
4 Cohan Bowers, senior
5 Landon Tyler, senior
6 Kai Moore, junior
7 Brennan Jones, junior
9 Ethan Schitter, senior
11 Alex Nelson, junior
12 Abe Bohlsen, senior
13 Maverick Hamilton, junior
14 Daniel Aker, junior
15 Mason Fridley, senior
16 Garet Gaskill, senior
18 Mohamed Traore, senior
19 Joe Pickett, senior
21 Connor Hendrickson, junior
Swing
3 Harrison Stull, sophomore
8 Levi Rodriguez, junior
17 Kaimen Chapman, sophomore
22 Blake Haller, junior
25 Andrew Harvey, sophomore
Assistant coach: Adam Alt
Managers: Caleb Talley and Isaias Deanda
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