2014 Combined

• Soccer On the men's side, longtime head coach Ken neth Thompson said he expects last year's success to carry over for the 2014 campaign. despite the fact a much younger squad will take the field. The 2013 squad was hampered with injuries throughout the campaign yet managed to finish 8-8 1 overall and 2-5-1 mark in the MACJC North Divi sion. "The 2013 season was another exciting year of Warrior Soccer, as every single match was a battle to the final whistle," said Thompson, who begins his 16th year at the Warrior helm. "The injury bug took its toll .... which affected our scoring poten tial...but defensively we were still very good all over the field.~ For the second-straight year, a Warrior soccer player finished high in Region 23 balloting. Will Thompson placed fourth in the prest1g10us group, which also qualified the Newton County High School High School prod uct as an NJCAA All American nominee. Thompson said this year's lineup includes a lot of new face , as mostly sophomores saw action in 2013.

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skilled players who can play the game well and not get rattled under pressure. Kellen is a smart player and will help anchor our new defense, which replaces all four starters. I have known Jackson a long time and have been impressed with his work rate. He always plays the game with a lot of passion." Thompson also had praise for transfers Tyler Cook (Mississippi Col lege), a defender from Daphne, Ala., and Landry Lofton (Southwest Missis sippi Community Col lege), a forward from Pascagoula. "Both of these players are very talented and will have a large part in our team's success," Thomp son said. In analyzing this year's team, Thompson said fans should expect to see another traditional Warrior squad. "We will be a highly-fit team that will play every match with emotion for the 90 minutes regardless of the score," he said. "This team also has more depth, so hopefully we can utilize more players with out losing any quality of play."

"These two guys \\;'ill have to continue provid ing strong sophomore leadership early in the season as the freshmen adjust to the college game." Regarding the fresh man class, Thompson said recruiting was a "chal lenge," as many quality players were also recruit ed by other colleges. "However, we were able to get many of the players we originally wanted along with some outstanding late-period transfers," he said. "All in all the new players should provide a strong group." Thompson said he expects to start "four or five" freshmen in the line up. Tup newcomers include forward/keeper Jacob Johnson of Destrehan (La.) High School, defend er Carlos Gutierrez and his brother Omar Guti~r r ez, both of Tupelo, defender Kellen Clark of Newton County and mid fielder Jackson Oliver of Clinton. "Jacob is an outstand

"However, there are several sophomores who contributed heavily or either prepared well in the offseason to be ready to contribute," said Thompson. Returning starters include midfielder Jordan Alonso of Newton County, defender Dalton Smith of Florence and keeper Matt Sykes of Heritage Acade my in Columbus. "Jordan will play a key part in our ability to con trol the game," said Thompson. "Dalton spent 1 0 most of his time last year at forward but this year he will be moving to out side back. His ability to move up the side on the attack as well as defend will help anchor the defense. Matt saw limited action last season but he has put in the work neces sary to play at his best. How well he plays will be a key to our success."

ing talent who can really score goals, and we hope he continue his success on the college level," said Thompson. "Omar and Carlos are both highly NEWTON COUNTY APPEAL --- SPIRIT OF MORTON-------- MERIDIAN STAR-------

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