There was certainly no shortage of storylines for Beaufort County soccer teams this season.

Under head coach Jim Kozuch, Washington’s historic season began with irregularity in the midfield and finished with a historic playoff run. The Pam Pack opened the season with a 5-2 loss to First Flight and, appropriately, closed with a 3-1 loss to the Nighthawks in the fourth round of the state playoffs.

Washington’s 20-5-1 record stands out on paper, but it doesn’t tell the full story. Kozuch’s lineup was never fully healthy, as midfielder Lupe Barrera, goalie William Tate and defender Dylan Singleton were just some of the players who spent time on the disabled list. Despite the adversity, the Pam Pack figured out how to win games and dominated the Eastern Plains Conference, outscoring opponents 51-4, locking up its second-consecutive conference championship.

Northside was denied a team due to a lack in numbers, but rival Southside managed to sneak into the playoffs with a sub-.500 record (6-10-2). Head coach John Lohman’s team had an unconventional style of play and didn’t match up athletically to other area squads. However, the Seahawks made history, winning their first playoff game in program history — a 3-1 win over Riverside.

Terra Ceia and Pungo were without a conference and postseason this year, but both fielded a collection of players deserving of All-County recognition.

All of the following players are invited to take part in an All-Star Showcase, sponsored by LTG Training, set to take place in the spring at Washington High School The event will take place after the Washington soccer alumni game.

 

First Team

WILLIAM TATE, GK, JR., WASHINGTON

In terms of pure intangibles, there was no goalie in the county more talented that William Tate. His 1.6 goal per game average doesn’t stand out, but was inflated after a tumultuous Pam Pack midfield early in the season. Tate gave up just four goals in conference play.

 

KYLE HODGES, S, JR., WASHINGTON

Kyle Hodges broke the single-season record for goals scored in a season with 40. While his touch and accuracy were average at times, the Pam Pack junior brought incomparable speed to the table. He was the fastest player on the field in every game, no matter which team Washington was playing. He also recorded six assists.

 

SERGIO HIGUERA, F, SR., WASHINGTON

Sergio Higuera couldn’t touch the quickness of Hodges up front, but speed aside, he was a perfect compliment to his counterpart. Higuera had the touch, shot accuracy and soccer intelligence to make the most of every scoring opportunity. He finished with 28 goals and a team-high 20 assists.

 

AVERY BOWEN, S, SO., UNITY

In just its third year as a program, Unity was able to finish above the .500 mark for the first time. It’s no secret the reason for the team’s success lies in its talented striker. Avery Bowen led his team to six wins by scoring 27 goals and notching five assists in 12 games.

 

JESSE LOHMAN, M, FR., SOUTHSIDE

The undisputed leader for Seahawks, Jesse Lohman put up some of the best numbers from the center midfield position in the county. The Southside freshman notched 17 goals and two assists this season and was just as solid defensively when needed.

 

WILLIAM PAGE, M, SR., WASHINGTON

William Page began the season as the center back for Kozuch, but after a few games of questionable midfield play, he was bumped up to defensive midfield. There he shined, recording 10 goals and 13 assists, all while supporting the back line.

 

ERIC RUIZ, M, SO., WASHINGTON

At left midfield, Eric Ruiz’s technical ability and footwork gave him a clear-cut advantage over most of the competition. He was excellent at anticipating and finding the open man down field and could finish when needed, notching seven goals to go along with 13 assists.

 

MIGUEL HERNANDEZ, M, JR., WASHINGTON

Miguel Hernandez began his season as a sort of 12th man, but soon emerged into one of Kozuch’s top producers from the midfield. Never flashy but always affective, Hernandez took more hard hits than any other Pam Pack player, yet he always recovered and remained healthy. He finished with four goals and 10 assists.

 

HOLT MCKEITHAN, D, SR., WASHINGTON

The tallest player on Washington next to Tate, defender Holt McKeithan took over for Page at center back and flourished. Even on corner kicks, McKeithan always seemed to be in the action, causing havoc. In the area, there were few better at sticking with a man. McKeithan finished with three goals and two assists.

 

AUGUSTIN GARCIA, D, SR., SOUTHSIDE

Defender Augustin Garcia notched four goals this season, but his real worth was as a stopper. His aggression and physicality kept Southside in most of its contests and Lohman was impressed with the way he executed his positional assignment.

 

LEO BROWN, D, SR., WASHINGTON

When speaking of improvement, Leo Brown should be the first name that comes to mind. Brown began his season as a forward, but alongside Hodges was hardly fast enough to keep pace. So, he was pushed back to defense, where his physicality and power gave Washington a distinct advantage. Brown finished with six goals and five assists.

 

GABRIEL VALLE-TORRES, D, JR., WASHINGTON

Gabriel Valle-Torres was hardly the flashiest player on the field; however, he was likely one of the more multifunctional. Valle-Torres seemed to always be in the right place at the right time. He finished with three goals and an assist.

 

Second Team

AUSTIN ROSCOE, GK, SO., TERRA CEIA

KENDALL BOWEN, F, JR., TERRA CEIA

LANDON WOOLARD, F, JR., PUNGO

JOSE CORONA, M, SR., WASHINGTON

CHRISTIAN CADLE, M, SO., PUNGO

LUPE BARRERA, M, SR., WASHINGTON

WESLEY BUTCHER, M, SR., TERRA CEIA

ALLISON TALLCOTT, M, SR., SOUTHSIDE

QUENTIN VAN ESSENDELFT, D, SO., TERRA CEIA

DYLAN SINGLETON, D, JR., WASHINGTON

WESTON BROWN, D, SR., WASHINGTON

COLLIN VAN STAALDUINEN, JR., TERRA CEIA

 

Honorable Mentions

DEVIN GUZMAN, M/F, FR., SOUTHSIDE

SAMUEL PATTI, M, JR., PUNGO