High Point, Vernon soccer focused on growth

High Point High School and Vernon High School both field boy’s soccer programs steadily focused on growth not only on a game by game basis, but indeed on a day by day basis. The Wildcats and the Vikings fully understand that reaching their respective goals won’t be easy, but they also realize that taking the easy route rarely leads to sustainable success.
VernonKey returning student athletes for the Vikings this fall include Adam Hazell (senior, midfield), James Pellot (senior, back), Ryan Lally (junior, goal keeper), Caleb Gibson (junior, midfielder) and Nolan Shade (junior, back).
Newcomers hoping to be impactful on the varsity roster include Kyle Dunbar (junior, midfield), Josh Bamper (junior, midfield) and Aiden Horn (sophomore, midfield).
“Ryan Lally and Adam Hazell will be the leaders both on and off the field, and will serve as captains," Vernon head coach Joseph Jones said. “They are expected to be the standard bearers of hard work and dedication for the entire program."
The Vikings finished with six wins in 2017. Through five games this regular season, Vernon already had three victories. On Sept. 21, they are scheduled to host High Point. Five days later, they have a road test scheduled at Newton.
“Goals include returning to the (NJSIAA) State Tournament, advancing beyond the second round in Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament and competing for a Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Freedom Division title.
“I think we can contend in the Division this year," Jones said. “I think we may sneak up on a few teams. Newton and Hackettstown are always tough [in the Division], as well as Jefferson."
High PointJames Seck is welcomed in as the new head coach for the Wildcats. Key returning student athlete include Jacob Carter (senior, defense), Robert Zweesaardt (senior, full back/midfield), Jack McKernan (senior), Ryan Freda (junior, midfield), Alex Foster (junior, striker), Michael Kaufman (sophomore, midfield/striker) and Tristen Castellani (sophomore, midfield/striker).
Newcomers looking to be of positive influence on the varsity roster for High Point include Zackary Kattermann (senior, goalie), Tristan Caffrey (senior, defense), Jason Bush (senior, midfield/defense), Matt Amick (senior, striker/midfield), Kevin Labar (junior, defense/midfield), Noah Francois (sophomore, midfield/striker) and Joshua Radler (sophomore, defense/midfield).
After their road game at Vernon on September 21, the Wildcats have a home challenge against Lenape Valley on September 24. Two days later, they are slated to travel to face Hackettstown.