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By Jed Blackwell

 

In last week’s season opener against West Henderson, Polk County soccer coach George Alley liked what he saw despite a 2-1 loss on a last-second goal.

The Wolverines attacked, they played good defense and they pretty much dictated the run of play.

To have a successful season and build on last year’s 11-10-2 record, Alley wants to see them continue what they’re doing. And he wants to see them finish their chances.

“I said it all last year,” he said. “When you get those opportunities, you have to finish them.”

Polk County will try to make the most of those chances while they’re adjusting to a new shape. The Wolverines are playing a 4-3-3 formation this season, shifting from last year’s 3-5-2.

Alley said that change comes down to personnel.

“We’ve got some midfielders that I really like,” he said. “Cooper Meyer creates a lot of problems. We call him Cooper Chaos because he just seems to come out with the ball a lot. And then Manny Albarran does a good job of being that high player whose job is to kind of hold the ball up. He’s got choices on where to play it, and he’s doing a great job of sharing the ball, and I’m really pleased with that.”

Junior Thomas Varnadore is a key piece of the Wolverines’ attack, and Alley said the new shape takes advantage of his talents as well. That was evident in the game against West Henderson.

“Thomas is in incredible shape, and he loves to get going on the outside, and he’s got good moves,” Alley said. “Tonight (against West Henderson) he did a good job of not taking off, which is what he would do last year. He checked back and would get the ball, play it in, and then go, and I do think that takes advantage of his speed and endurance.”

Sophomore Charlie Wagoner moves into goal, and Alley was pleased with his performance last week as well. Wagoner turned away several good chances from West Henderson and looked strong in the performance.

“He made some great saves,” Alley said. “He’s young, and the biggest thing for him will be keeping a positive mental mindset.”

While Wagoner is young, the bulk of the Wolverines have plenty of experience.

“Nate Martinez and James Purtill give us senior leadership out there,” Alley said. “Noah Greve and Will Garrison are doing a great job at center-back. Riley Ballentine played outside-mid last year, and he’s in the back now. Blake Anderson has a great work rate out there. I’m pleased with how they’re coming together.”

The biggest hurdle, Alley said, will be the leap from practice speed to game speed.

“There’s a difference when you’re finishing at practice, you’re at one speed, and now you’re at game speed, and the chances don’t go like you want,” he said. “We’ve got to go a little harder at our chances in practice.”