After his team posted 5 wins and a tie in their 6 pre-season scrimmages, East Bladen Coach Jay Raynor is looking forward to the Eagles season-openerMonday night at Midway.
“I’m very pleased with the results from this past week,” said Coach Raynor. “We have played some very good soccer and have a level of ability that I’m not sure I have ever had here. Fast, athletic, and smart. These guys are hungry and are making plays. We lost 1 starter (Grey Cabellero) which is a big hole to fill, but we gain some players – either freshman or players who have improved – that will help fill that void.”
Raynor was pleased that “the guys came in extremely fit and blew our fitness tests out of the water. That screams how committed they are and how they feel about each other and our program. This has allowed us to continue to fine tune the fitness level but without having to make it a level of focus. We have been able to work on our attack and our system.”
With only one starter gone from last season, the Eagles return players all over the field. “We have a backline and a front line that have to be some the best groups in the state,” stated Raynor. “Both lines are extremely solid. Spencer Scott is a monster and a college keeper. His 3 centerbacks of Keshawn Davis, Ezequil Arteaga, and Dan Tatum are the most relentless defensive minded players I have ever coached. They like to get forward but they love to defend. The chemistry between those 3 and our keeper is the reason for their success. They have allowed 6 shots on goal in the 5 “matches” we have played.”
“Our front line of Brooks McGill, Greyson Heustess, and Garrett Melvin are causing major issues for opponents back lines,” noted Coach Raynor. We left forward and right forward go one-on-one and push their creativity. Brooks and Garrett have been tough to contain and stretch backlines. Those players on the outside allow center forward Greyson space to tuck away their passes or their rebounds. Greyson brings a physical presence and knows where to be which helps him put away goals.”
In between the Eagle front and back lines is a very talented and balanced midfield group. “Pierce Melvin is the workhorse at the holding mid position and sets the tone for our play,” said Raynor. “His counter part at the attacking mid position is Gabe Barber. Gabe brings a fierce and physical presence in the midfield. Those two have a great relationship and understanding for each other’s ability.”
Jake Evans and Jacob Barber are the other two midfielders. “They both are asked to be smart and dictate the flow and stretch /open up our opponents midfield, continued Raynor. “Jacob has really worked on understanding of the system and how we want to play. He has become more physical and aggressive which just adds to our tenacity in the midfield area. Jake is creative and also has a knack for making the right play at the right time. He would be a forward on most teams but sitting him in the midfield helps give us another element of attack. We also saw his defensive ability last season when we made some tactical adjustments to defeat Clinton. Jake can defend and once he has won the ball can get to goal or find the right pass to make.”
“We can come off the bench with some very talented players and don’t drop off,” said Raynor. “Caleb Hatchell will be big for us in the midfield. He has worked hard and came in really fit. Josh Pope is recovering from a ankle injury from over the summer but will give us some quality minutes at several posit Milton Estrada, Irvin Hernandez, B. J. Monroe and several others can come off the bench and give us different looks. In the past we have had some good kids. but once we made a sub or two, our play really would fall off. Now we can make those subs and not have to worry about things falling off.”
Raynor also praised his players passion for the game. “They are committed and having fun. They are leaning and pushing each other. As a coach that’s a great thing to have but also some pressure. Want to make sure to get the most out of them without smothering that fire. We need to continue to work on understanding our system and how each player plays.”
“Dr. Ray Cross, Chuck Heustess, and Joe Melvin are great assistant coaches,” said Raynor. “We have also added Patrick McCullum to the mix of assistant coaches which is huge. He is the 2nd leading goal scorer in East Bladen history and has played a lot of soccer. He can relate to our players because he isn’t far removed from the game. I can relate to the keepers and backline because I was a keeper. Patty was a forward and brings an understanding of the game that I can’t. He understands the demands of the game and situations from his playing that will only help our attack. I am blessed to have these assistants who volunteer their time to help these kids be the best they can.”
Raynor concluded that the true test of where his team is will come Monday at Midway. “We were really tested in our scrimmages against larger schools with great soccer programs. All of them made the playoffs last year and Wilmington Christian was the private school state champion. They returned a majority of their players as did North Brunswick and we looked good against that level competition.”
About Author
