By Chris Parker
Neosho is poised to stack more wins this season with seven starters and 13 total returning lettermen this season.
“We have the opportunity to play with a group that has played a lot together this year,” Neosho head coach Steve Schnackenburg said. “There is a lot of experience and a deep bench.”
Cody Juarez (senior), Cris Ornelas (senior), Dilmer Vincete (senior), Will Ebbinghouse (senior), Alan Estrada (senior), Dereck Alvarado (junior) and Franklin Maldonado (junior) will be up top at forward.
Juarez and Ornelas will be key leaders.
“Cris Ornelas leads by example and has great experience and knowledge,” Schnackenburg said. “Cody Juarez because of his leadership qualities, and he is very vocal and respected by teammates.”
Ornelas had seven goals and two assists last season on his way to second-team all-conference honors. Maldonado had six goals.
Ornelas and Estrada are also both top options in the midfield while Juarez and Alvarado are candidates at defender.
Kayden Welsh (junior), Luis Martinez (senior) and Angel Valdez (senior) are all in the mix at goalkeeper.
Schnackenburg would like to see a more explosive offense this season.
“We didn’t score as many goals as we should have last year so that is what we will be watching again to start the season,” Schnackenburg said.
Neosho opens the season on Aug. 28 at home against McDonald County.
“We are experienced and know what it takes to compete in the COC. A conference championship is definitely something we will be looking to get this year as well as a run in the state tournament,” Schnackenburg said. “We will never quit and play hard every minute of the game and focus on us and controlling what we can control.”
