Boys soccer district tournaments begin
By JARED MACARIN
jaredm@nwfdailynews.com
Niceville’s boys soccer team is aiming for a repeat trip to regionals. Navarre just wants to get back.
The Eagles begin play today in the District 1-5A tournament at Twin Oaks as the top seed and seeking their fourth straight title.
Niceville coach Wes Nelson knows it won’t be easy, but feels good about where his team is at the moment.
“You’re going to have to be playing well to come away and win,” Nelson said. “I feel like we are playing good at the right time of the year. I’m pretty confident in how we are playing and we’re looking forward to districts.”
Navarre, on the other hand, is looking for its first trip to regionals since 2004. The Raiders are the No. 2 seed in District 1-4A, and with that received a bye into the semifinals on Wednesday. Coach B.J. Price is hoping the mentality that has gotten his team this far continues.
“We’ve been talking all season about peaking at the right time and playing our best soccer at this time of year, and we are,” he said. “We’re playing pretty well and the guys understand what our goals are. I think they are ready to go.”
Niceville not only won the district last year, but also the region. The Eagles have been extremely successful this season as well despite being ravaged by injuries to standout players. Midfielder Will Parchment is out with a broken leg, as is Taylor Noon (wrist surgery). Austin Van Decar and Eric and Kevin Sims are also nursing injuries and their availability is not certain.
But the Eagles are getting plenty of production elsewhere. Donnie Dorenkamp is the team’s leading scorer with 25 goals, while Reed White has 17 goals and 16 assists. Pedro Alba also has double-digit goals coming off the bench.
“We have other guys stepping in and I don’t think we’ll miss a beat,” Nelson said. “They have all responded really well. The guys that have filled the void are playing well and it’s given the team a lot of confidence.”
Among those hoping to end the Eagles’ reign in the district are No. 2 seed Fort Walton Beach and third-seeded Choctawhatchee. The Vikings played the Eagles close earlier this season, and are led by Ricky Bennington, Alex Rankin and Sean Reynolds. The Indians have been paced by, among others, Bruce Boyette and Luis Mendoza.
For Navarre, Price said the difference between past years and the current Raider squad is drive.
“The fire of the kids is the difference,” he said. “Last year’s group has as much talent, but for whatever reason, these guy’s (this year) compete more. They not only want to win, they also want to play well. That is the biggest difference.”
Robby Elsas and Cristhian Ramirez have been two of the bigger standouts on offense for Navarre, while Zach O’Hara has been solid in goal.
In District 1-3A, Walton drew the third seed and opens with No. 2 Chipley on Tuesday. The Braves have been led by Beau Rushing and Uriel Baza on offense. South Walton, meanwhile, is the No. 4 seed and will face top-seed and tournament host Pensacola Catholic. The Seahawks have been sparked by C.J. Atwell thus far. The two winners will face each other on Friday in the title game.
