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north pontotoc vikingS men’S Soccer
NORTH PONTOTOC
2021-2022 vikingS men’S Soccer
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2021-2022 north pontotoc vikingS Socccer team
The Pontotoc Vikings soccer squad for 2021 incudes, front, from left, Zak Algamal, Jonathan Tovar, Tripp Little, David Tovar, Luis Andrade, Adrian Vega, Jimmy Alban (back) Coach Travis Little, Ayden Ellis, Rhys Panes, Jace Russell, Ethan Boyd, Alexis Romero, Jobani Jimenez, Tyler Carter, Christian Najera, Holden Little, Colby Boyd, Mason Beaman, Angel Lopez, Luis Guerrero, Christian Lopez, John Mendoza, Eric Gonzalez, manager Keaton Varnon, Coach Josh Harlow.
Photo by Galen Holley
VIKINGS HUNGRY FOR RETURN TO POST-SEASON PLAY
Will Ruff
Sports Writer
The Vikings will look to get back to their winning ways as the program hasn’t been to the playoffs since the 2018-2019 season, after making six straight appearances since 2013. North has two seniors in Rhys Payne and Christian Najera, and their junior class makes up the core of what should be an exciting team to watch this season.
“Rhys has really improved as a defender over the summer,” said first-year head coach Travis Little. “Christian will play up top for us and has a really strong leg.”
Juniors Holden Little, Luis Guerro, Eric Gonzalez and Ayden Ellis will be relied upon heavily to lead and make things happen for the Vikings on both ends of the field.
“Our juniors are the back bone of the team, they are a really coachable group and want to get better,” said Coach Little. “Ellis will be our goalie and the other three are really good ball handlers and will play in the midfield and up top for us as well.”
The Vikings will play in Region 1-4A with Corinth, New Albany, Ripley, Senatobia and Tishomingo County this season. North Pontotoc has been no stranger to postseason play, and division titles, and the expectations are still high for the program.
“We set our goals the first week of practice, to win the division, and that will not be an easy thing to do,” said Little. “We won’t have a night off in division play and our non-division is always strong, because we play 5A and 6A programs, so we will find out who we are early on.”
