Boys soccer returns seasoned varsity squad

Sisters High School's boys soccer team returns 12 players to the varsity squad, and they'll be a force to be reckoned with this season. The Outlaws kick off their season at home against Cascade on Tuesday, September 7, with game time set for a 4:30 p.m. start.

The Outlaws bring back seven seniors, including Scott Everson, Tanner Smith, Scotty Bowen, Austin Williams, Sam Quinn, Colby Gilmore and Nathan Roy.

Everson, honorable mention all-league last year, returns for his fourth season on varsity and will play at the midfield position. Everson is a playmaker for the Outlaws and will create much of their offense. Everson has played in every single varsity game since his freshman year and Coach Rob Jensen believes that his experience will be very beneficial to the team this year.

"Scott sees the field well," said Jensen. "He's savvy, can dribble through defenders and he can place the ball perfectly so his teammates can score. He's strong and physical and he always finds a way to make those around him better."

Smith has also played since his freshman year and will bring lots of game experience to the field. Smith played stopper last year but will play at the center of the defense this year and will also see some time in the goal.

"Tanner is much stronger this year and has become an even better player," said Jensen. "He's another guy that can make plays and be in the right spot at the right time."

Bowen will play at midfield in his third year on varsity. Bowen was one of the Outlaws' top scorers last year and Jensen told The Nugget that he expects Bowen to score even more this year. Bowen will also be expected to set up plays so his teammates can score.

"Scotty has got a powerful shot and great ball skills," said Jensen. "He worked out in England this past summer on a team with his cousin, which helped improve his skills even more."

Williams returns for his second season and will also play at midfield. Last season Austin played wing but this year will play at sweeper. Williams is very, very fast and Jensen stated that Austin will be the Outlaws' No. 1 defender and will lead the defense.

"Austin is a very smart player. He makes great choices, and between him and the rest of the defense I don't see other teams being able to break through. There's not a weakness in the defense. It's solid," said Jensen.

Prescott is back for his second year on defense and might also see some time in the goal.

"Devon is a very athletic player, who not only is great on defense, but is a guy who is able to push up and make plays in the midfield as well," stated Jensen.

Quinn returns for his third season and will play center defense. According to Jensen, Sam is a do-it-all guy, so he might also see time at striker and in the goal. Sam has a nose for the ball and gets the job done.

"He's a great athlete," said Jensen. "Last year he played a total of around 80 minutes at striker and still scored five goals at that position."

Gilmore and Roy round out the seniors. Both Colby and Nathan were all-stars on the JV team last year and moved up to varsity in the playoffs. Coach Jensen expects both players to provide solid minutes for the team this year.

Juniors Freddy Gonzalez and Tim Hernandez were big scorers for the Outlaws last year and are expected to score big again this season. Freddy will play forward and midfield and Hernandez will help the team out at

striker.

"Freddy can shoot from anywhere," beamed Jensen. "He's got a great touch and can place the ball well. Tim is an amazing athlete and he's extremely fast. He has increased his touch and talent and has the ability to move without the ball. He also has a nose for the goal and can get in there and score."

Juniors Ryan Long and Sebastian Boehm are back for their second season for the Outlaws. Long is a tenacious defender and great athlete, and Boehm is solid on defense and can also make plays on offense.