LONDON — The North Laurel Jaguar soccer program had a historic season under the leadership of David Broyles.
With high expectations, the team delivered by achieving a 15-6-3 record, winning the 49th District title, and securing the program’s first-ever 13th Region championship. They also made it to the Elite Eight for the first time.
“This team leaves a legacy, as sophomores and juniors they were district and region runner-up and now they leave the program with a district championship and the school’s first ever region championship and an Elite Eight finish in the state tournament,” Broyles said. “I feel we had a very successful season this year, and to say I am proud of this team would be an understatement. “This team came in with goals and a purpose and they worked all year and were able to accomplish what they set out to do,” he added. “We were led by a group of eight seniors that were not going to be satisfied with anything less than a region championship and a run at state.”
Broyles said the group of seniors will be missed next year and leave some very big shoes to fill. “Tanner Broyles led us in assists this year with 10, and was second on the team in scoring with 13 goals. He also leaves as the school’s all time assist leader with 43 for his career.
“Seth Miller held down the middle of our midfield and contributed three goals and six assists,” he added. “Our defensive line saw three seniors start most of the year with Noah Caldwell and Camden Fields controlling the middle while Kristopher Hagan at right back made his presence known both defensively and offensively with four goals and three assists.
“We were anchored by Aydn Ebersole in goal. He produced nine clean sheets, a single-season school record, while only allowing 1.2 goals per game,” Broyles continued. “This group wasn’t just stats though, they played with heart and determination all season and that will be the hardest part to replace.”
Broyles also mentioned that numerous underclassmen played a huge part in North Laurel’s success, too.
“Junior Grant Abner (13 goals, eight assists) kept our midfield lively and attacking, while Nicholas Meadows worked the left side of the field from his left back position on defense,” he said. “Sophomore Jaxon Jacobs led us in scoring this year with 21 goals to go along with six assists and will be expected to lift his game even more next year. We also look forward to getting junior Collier Mills back from a torn ACL that he suffered toward the last third of the regular season.
“We had several talented freshmen and sophomores that saw time throughout the season that we expect to step into the roles vacated by the seniors,” Broyles added. “I believe that our returning players will come in with the mentality and purpose of continuing the progress and success that these seniors began. The future of Jaguar soccer remains bright and I believe we will continue to play at a highly competitive level. I expect our team to again not only compete for district and region titles, but to win these games.”
