Wichita’s top 25 boys soccer teams: Here are the area’s most likely state champions
After months of biting nails to see whether high school soccer would happen this fall in Kansas, it all begins Friday.
Here is a look at the 25 most likely candidates out of the Wichita area to bring home a Kansas boys soccer state championship, and some league-title predictions.
1. Maize South Mavericks
Toward the end of the regular season, Maize South didn’t look like a state finalist. But through unrelenting will, the Mavericks finished runners-up in Class 5A for a second straight year. They won’t be counted out at any point in 2020 with the firepower they bring back.
2. Wichita East Blue Aces*
If the Wichita Public Schools aren’t allowed to compete in fall activities, neutral fans will miss Northwest football and East soccer the most. The Aces were set to bring back a wealth of talent, particularly in the attack from a team that finished in fourth place in Class 6A.
3. Eisenhower Tigers
Eisenhower earned a boys soccer state trophy for the first time in its history last year, taking third place. The Tigers lost their best player in Ethan Doud to graduation, but, especially in defense, they return more experience than maybe anyone in the Wichita area.
4. Wichita Heights Falcons*
Heights shocked the state last year, winning a regional championship. It was an attractive team to watch, with flair and potency in attack. With the decision pending on whether to compete in fall activities, Heights soccer might be one of the best teams in Kansas not to play.
5. Trinity Academy Knights
Trinity reached the Class 4-1A state championship game last year and even held a lead over Bishop Miege. The Knights play a brutal schedule and lost their best player in All-Metro selection Kai Kan, but they bring back 12 starters to help get Trinity back.
6. Derby Panthers
Derby had maybe the toughest regional draw in the Wichita area last year, facing Heights at home, a game the Panthers lost. That loss though should motivate a traditionally solid group this year with loads of youth and a nice blend of experience.
7. Kapaun Mt. Carmel Crusaders
There are a few question marks surrounding the Kapaun soccer team in 2020, but if history is any indication, the Crusaders will answer them. Last year’s All-Metro selection Kevin Black was Kapaun’s do-it-all man in the midfield; with his graduation, there is a big hole to fill.
8. Andover Central Jaguars
In a blink, the best attacking duo in the Wichita area is gone. Last year, All-Metro selections Jadyn Vossen and Leyton Harper broke and tied the school’s single-season goals record of 25. With them gone, the Jaguars go into a bit of a rebuild in 2020.
9. McPherson Bullpups
McPherson has been one of the most steady teams in Kansas over the past half decade. The Bullpups, like Kapaun, always seem to fill any holes left behind from graduating players. In 2020 they will have to do the same coming off a regional championship.
10. Bishop Carroll Golden Eagles
After one of the toughest seasons in recent Carroll soccer history, the Eagles are on the path back toward the state tournament. Carroll is still young, but with a pair of experienced, talented defenders to lead the line, the youthful Eagles should be able to take risks.
11. Maize Eagles
Maize has been building something similar to its girls program for years. With a few high-end players in the team, this season could be the year the Eagles make a jump.
12. Campus/Clearwater Colts
The Colts have been teetering on the brink of a deep postseason run for a couple of years now. With some outstanding goal-scorers, defense will be the area of importance.
13. Buhler Crusaders
Buhler is looking to get back on track after a disappointing year by its lofty standards. The Crusaders reached the Class 4-1A state title game two years ago.
14. Augusta Orioles
Augusta may have been a surprise to some in Class 4-1A last season, winning a regional title, but no one should bat an eye this year with a solid roster returning.
15. Wichita Northwest Grizzlies*
Bobby Bribiesca, coach of the Grizzlies, has retired after more than 40 years of service. Former Northwest All-American Austin Clifton has come in as the second coach in school history.
16. Wichita Southeast Golden Buffaloes*
17. Andover Trojans
18. Newton Railroaders
19. Wichita North Redskins
20. Rose Hill Rockets
21. Valley Center Hornets
22. Winfield Vikings
23. Wichita South Titans*
24. Wichita West Pioneers
25. Classical School of Wichita Saints
*: Teams compete in USD 259, Wichita Public Schools, whose season has been canceled as of Wednesday.
League Predictions
City League
- Wichita East
- Wichita Heights
- Kapaun Mt. Carmel
- Bishop Carroll
- Northwest
- Southeast
- North
- South
- West
AVCTL I
- Maize South
- Derby
- Maize
- Campus/Clearwater
- Newton
- Salina South
- Hutchinson
AVCTL II
- Eisenhower
- Andover Central
- Salina Central
- Andover
- Valley Center
- Goddard
- Arkansas City
AVCTL III-IV
- McPherson
- Buhler
- Augusta
- Rose Hill
- Winfield
- Mulvane
- El Dorado
- Circle