Being one of the last teams standing in districts has become a standard for the Platte County boys’ soccer team that has reached a district championship game in 10 of the last 12 years.
Platte County’s Gavin Nichols, above, is a returning starter from the 2021 Pirate squad that went 20-4 and made it to a district championship game.
The Pirates have had 20 or more wins in two of the three last seasons – including finishing with a 20-4 record in 2021 – as they have most recently won a district title in 2020. Platte County brings back three starters with Joseph Ibarra, Gavin Nichols and Joyuanki Victore.
“We have quite a few varsity returners, so their experience will help,” Platte County head soccer coach Ashlyn Brantley said. “The fact that we’re coming off of a few really good seasons now is definitely a motivating factor; the passion and drive is there, and right now we are working on organizing that.”
Aaron Cordova went to Platte County in the past, and was a starter in 2019, but went to another school the last two years before returning just in time for his senior season. The rest of the senior class will be filled out by Felix Victore, Mark Wiesehan, Jordan Hedrick and Ibarra.
“We have some very talented attackers. The fact that we could have multiple goal scorers and many options is definitely a strength,” Brantley said.
After losing a dozen seniors from last season, Platte County will have some younger guys looking to step up. Some of the new faces include Jack Klippenstein, Julian Nemeth, Andrew Reinsch, Aidan Murray, Jackson Goodale and Cameron Habel.
“We need to come together as one on the field, utilize the talent we have in the attack, and finish the majority of the chances we have. Our defensive shape will need to be a strong base,” Brantley said.