Southwick’s John Collins, left, tangles with a pair of Hampshire defenders. (File photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
Southwick’s Ryan King, left, completes the header. (File photo by Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – After a respectable 2012 season that saw his boys go 7-7-4 and earn a trip to the western Mass. playoffs, Southwick-Tolland boys soccer coach Frank Montagna is setting his team’s sights higher. His team is another year older, another year wiser, and another year more prepared for a playoff run.
“We have a few returning seniors, we’re replacing some defenders.. we’ve got a good core,” said Montagna, a former star on the pitch for Cathedral High School in Springfield.
Players who figure to be chief in Montagna’s 2013 gameplan are Evan Haynes, a sophomore who Montagna called one of the “premiere” players on the roster, and Ryan Todesco, who came on strong towards the end of the 2012 season, according to his coach.
“This is the most talented sophomore group I’ve had,” the thirteen year coach said.
Montagna also highlighted John Collins as a potential difference-maker for the team, as the explosive junior will look to build on a sophomore campaign which saw him tally several goals.
“He has been playing as a midfielder, but he can play up top too,” Montagna said. “He’s pretty lethal on his side of the field. He’s very versatile.”
He also believes that seniors Ryan King and Brian Sheil will need to step up big time for the Rams to replicate their respectable standing in the league, a league which figures to be bruiser once again.
“The restructuring of the league is going to make it tougher,” he said. “We’ll face Palmer, South Hadley, Hampshire Regional and Monson twice, along with Belchertown once.”
When asked which of those contests would be the most challenging, Montagna highlighted Palmer, who eliminated the Rams from the playoffs in last year’s first round, and the Orioles of Belchertown, who were state finalists last fall.
When asked of his personal ambitions for the squad, the former Springfield College footballer believes his team has what it takes to reach the next level.
“I expect our young players to grow, our defense to be solid, making sure we’re in every game,” Montagna said. “I expect to qualify for the tournament again. Every year is a rebuilding year in high school. You go into each season looking to be better than the year before.”
