Falcon boys' soccer preview

RUMFORD -- This might be the year for the Mountain Valley boys’ soccer team, who will need to make several adjustments to get back on track. However, the current group has accpted the challenge.

Hopefully, a fast start will provide the Falcons with success this fall.

Several returning players this year at the senior level will bring experience and passion to our team,"said coach Todd Papianou, who replaces Jarrod Dumas (a new baby this fall).

Midfielder Austin Glover is capable of scoring goals and assists. Andrew Phelps is always a threat to score up front and adding speed to the wing is Alew Witas. Shoring up the defense with a confident air is senior stopper Garret Carver.

The freshmen class was huge last year," said Papianou. "And with a full season of soccer (some at the varsity level) under their belts and a year to grow we expect a solid JV team and a boost to the varsity."

MV had two starting positions to fill, both on defense -- Andrew Child and Kyle Gauvin (all-state goalie).

Showing growth and promise is sophomore goalie Dakota Jacques, who plays with the same determination that he brings to the wrestling mat. The backup is newcomer senior William "Billy" Cunningham.

"Our philosophy is simple play good soccer and expect to win," said Papianou. "Playing a short compressed season is a challenge, my goal is to keep all players in top physical shape and rest them and feed them right."

A new program will be added is the Feed Em Right Option. This nutritution program is designed to help with recovery from the physical demands of soccer and avoid the harsh financial burdens of eating fast food. Two to three times a week the players will be eating at the game site with a variety of healthy options.

Papianou and assistant JT Taylor were encouraged after the team looked strong at the Mt. Abram tourney. The Falcons play indicated it should be able to handle most teams that are on the schedule.

"We have missed playoffs the past couple years and with only by a couple points," said Papianou. "It's hard to have a winning season but have to tell the players we missed by a couple hundredths...They are hungry and goal number one is a playoff game for MVHS."