Ravenscroft boys soccer
Ravenscroft forward Drew Rasberry will be counted on to provide offense for the Ravens this fall.
Ravens talented, but young
Throughout head coach Alix Charles' assessment of the Ravenscroft soccer team this fall, the words "talented," "potential" and "skillful" were sprinkled in heavily.
Yet before he let himself get carried away, Charles always seem to circle back to one other point: the Ravens' youth.
The third-year coach stated honestly he feels the 2009 squad has more raw skill than its predecessor, "but it's also very young, too."
"We had a lot of seniors last year — and they did well — but potentially, I think this group is more talented," he said. "They just need time."
While the Ravens grow into their game, the squad will rely on a stout defense, led by senior keeper Mike Brajer and defenders Sean Watson and Ben Simmons.
"Mike is very vocal, and he has great reflexives back there," Charles said.
Andrew Franz and Storm Baker offer Ravenscroft depth at the goalkeeper position. And each member of the trio brings something different to the table.
"All three of them pretty skillful," the coach said. "I wish I could combine them because they all have some great attributes."
In the midfield Ryan Lanier and Connor Whitaker should be big contributors, and Will Byrd — a forward last year — slides back to help this fall.
Charles lauded ninth-grader Will Ormand's play this preseason as well, and expects the Ravens' newcomer to make an impact this fall.
"He is a big kid, and very skilled," the coach said. "He distributes the ball well. He worked hard all summer. And he just loves the game."
At forward, the Ravens are led by junior Drew Rasberry and sophomore Hayden Gridley.
Despite being a shade undersized, Gridley plays much larger than his height. "He is probably the smallest player out there, but he really holds his own," Charles said. "He is a very, very skillful player."
Although the Ravens feature plenty of youth, Charles has been impressed with how his upperclassmen have accepted the younger set.
"There's a lot of camaraderie, and I think they will gel together," the coach said.
Charles remains realistic regarding the Ravens' prospects this season, but doesn't discount the chance of a surprise.
"If we can be around .500 — middle of the pack — I think that will be good," he said. "We are talented, and if we can do better than [.500], that's great."
For now, the Ravens will rely on their defensive strength, and anticipate the younger players developing over the course of the season.
"The goals will come eventually for us," Charles insisted.
Ravenscroft opens its season Wednesday, Aug. 19, hosting Franklinton at 5:30 p.m. The Ravens also play Friday at Greenfield at 7 p.m.
