Much like many other sports in Carroll county, boys soccer can be summed up in one word: talent.
But heading into the 2025 season, another word comes to mind: youth. Several teams will look to new faces to step up and make an impact.
For defending county champion Century, the biggest change isn’t on the field — it’s on the sidelines. Scott Smith is now leading the program after the Knights won both county and regional titles last season. He knows this year’s group is young, but also hungry — and ready to take things a step further.
Also young and hungry are the Francis Scott Key Eagles. Coach Andy Hicks faces the challenge of replacing nine starters from last season’s squad.
South Carroll will look like a brand-new program after graduating 14 seniors from a 10-win team that played multiple regional champions tough last year. But don’t call it a rebuild. Coach Ed Wharton is clear, the Cavaliers are reloading.
Liberty returns after ending South Carroll’s postseason run en route to the Class 1A state title. With Player of the Year and shootout hero Lucas Britos now playing college soccer, seniors Jaxon Vanderhoof and Zach Herb will look to lead the Lions back to the promised land.
Much like in girls soccer, Liberty and Century appear to be on a collision course. Century’s 1-0 win over Liberty last season ended up being the difference in the county title race. But the Lions bounced back, winning eight straight games to claim the state championship.
Here’s how the rest of the field stacks up in boys soccer this season:
Century
Coach: Scott Smith, first season (second stint)
Last season: 17-5, county champions, Class 2A West region I champions, state semifinalists
Top returners: Seniors Carter Simmen and Braden Davis; junior Grayson Glenn.
Newcomers to watch: Junior Chase Patterson.
Coach’s outlook: “With very few returning starters, the team is very young. They continue to work hard and are learning each practice. We are building team chemistry and relying on good senior leadership.”
Francis Scott Key
Coach: Andy Hicks, third season
Last season: 6-5-1, regional quarterfinalist
Top returners: Senior Paul Adcock; juniors Cam Lombroia and Beau O’Donnell.
Newcomers to watch: Junior Cam Alwine; sophomore Sean Maynard; freshmen Jose Serrano and Ethan Hicks.
Coach’s outlook: “We lost nine starters from last year‘s successful team. However, what we lack in experience we more than make up for and skill and determination. We might be young, but we can move the ball.”
Gerstell
Coach: AJ Berry, third season
Last season: 10-6-2, MIAA B conference quarterfinalist
Top returners: Senior Malcolm Hoar and junior Amari Bowman.
Newcomers to watch: Freshman Simon Oluyemi.
Coach’s outlook: “I couldn’t be more excited about the potential of this year’s team. Coming off a strong 10-6-2 record and a playoff run in the MIAA B Conference last year, we’ve got momentum and we’re ready to build on it.”
Liberty
Coach: Donnie Kwedar, third season
Last season: 16-1, Class 1A North Region I champions, Class 1A state champions
Top returners: Seniors Jaxon Vanderhoof, Zach Herb, Cooper Geidel, Noah Sederquist and Brady Berger; juniors Ryan Clapper, Ethan Carpenetti, Zach Bauer and William Paucar.
Newcomers to watch: N/A
Outlook: Despite not taking home the county crown, the Lions still won regional and state titles last season. They have all the tools and players to win all three championships in 2025 if they play to their potential.
Manchester Valley
Coach: John Woodley, sixth season
Last season: 5-11, regional semifinalist
Top returners: Seniors Lino Colin Jr., Ben Phillips and Colby Knox; juniors Ryan Cellitto, Brady Strohman, Chase Casey, Ty Pennewell, Aedan Vento and Grant Stremmel
Newcomers to watch: Sophomore CJ Taylor
Coach’s outlook: “It will be fun to watch the growth of this young team during the 2025 season. Carroll County soccer is competitive so nothing but blessings and respect to the champion.”
South Carroll
Coach: Ed Wharton, seventh season
Last season: 10-5-1, regional semifinalist
Top returners: Seniors Hayden Leineweber and Preston Wotchuin
Newcomers to watch: Juniors Lucas Menino, David Guzman and Adrian Ramos
Coach’s outlook: “After graduating 14 seniors, we’re not looking at this as a rebuilding year. The players are highly motivated and pushing themselves hard in every training session. They know the competition is never easy, and are looking forward to every challenge.”
Westminster
Coach: Jim Reigel, fifth season
Last season: 5-8-2, regional quarterfinalist
Top returners: Seniors Luke Schoberg, BJ Murray and Bobby Carpenter
Newcomers to watch: N/A
Coach’s outlook: “This year, we have a tight-knit group of players that have come together to pursue excellence on and off the field.”
Winters Mill
Coach: Dave Ledford, second season
Last season: 3-10, regional quarterfinalist
Top returners: Seniors John Bechtel and Parker Berry ; junior Deacon Cassidy and sophomore Colt Dorsey
Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Tyler Williams and freshman Dylan Joseph
Coach’s outlook: “We were incredibly young last year and return the majority of the team. The young additions come with a lot of talent. I think the county is up for grabs this season.”
Preseason predictions
(editor’s picks after speaking with players and coaches)
Preseason Player of the Year: Jaxon Vanderhoof, Liberty
County champion: Liberty
Have a news tip? Contact Timothy Dashiell at tdashiell@baltsun.com, and x.com/dashielltimothy.
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