Boys’ soccer at Coshocton continues to thrive

| August 25, 2014

COSHOCTON – Fill a hole here, close some gaps there and the beat goes on for the Coshocton High School boys’ soccer team.

A year removed from coming within an eyelash of reaching the state tournament final four and a tremendous 18-1-2 record, the Redskins are reloading for what they believe will be another successful season.

“We hope to be competitive once again in the league and our district,” said head coach Brian Dunlap. “We have a good, competitive group returning but we also have many younger players who will need to step up in starting roles as well as active reserve roles.”

A dentist in his professional life, Dunlap is used to dealing with gaps and holes and he’s got plenty of candidates to choose from.

Among the top returning players are seniors Mitchell Milliken, Stuart Dunlap, Jim Magness and Sam Magness, all whom have been named team captains and thus be expected to provide leadership.

Milliken will play in the midfield; Dunlap is at forward while the Magness brothers anchor the defensive end.

Junior Connor Roahrig will also man a forward position. Juniors Kyle Bergeron will play a wing, Ben Batchelor and Dave Edmunds will be at outside back and Bryce George will be counted upon to be stout between the pipes.

“What excites me about this team is watching the seniors use their leadership to help influence the underclassmen to carry on our tradition of successful soccer,” Coach Dunlap said.

Dunlap believes Dover, Zanesville and Marietta will present huge challenges in the East Central Ohio League race.

“We have a challenging schedule and it should be fun to see where we stand as the season progresses,” he said.

Now in his sixth season, Dunlap has compiled an impressive 81-15-7 record. Last year, the season ended with a heart-breaking 2-1 loss to Columbus Bishop Watterson in the regional final.

Dunlap is assisted by T.J. Helbling and Tony Jones.

Category: High School

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