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The 2016 boys soccer season starts this weekend, and the Wellsboro Hornets are anxious to get going.

Head Coach: John Shaffer (7th year, 75-41-4)
2015 Season Record: 17-3-1
Key Returners: Josiah Hill, Tanner Runyan, Gabe Leach, Jake Singer, Nic Ingerick, Casey Hoover
Player(s) to Watch: Josiah Hill

While the Hornets’ season ended on a sour note losing 4-0 to East Juanita in Districts, the Hornets should be very optimistic about this upcoming season. Wellsboro returns Josiah Hill, last year’s top goal scorer (38), who the majority of the NTL had trouble containing last season. Hill is also approaching a school record in goals, as his 53 are only 4 shy of the school record held by Darby Alafoginis.

While Hill will be the focal point for the Hornets’ offense, returners Jake Singer, Gabe Leach, and Tanner Runyan have the ability to create scoring opportunities to take pressure off Hill.

Also returning in goal is Casey Hoover. Hoover started every game last year, and only gave up 22 goals in 21 games. Hoover also recorded 10 shutouts last season and made 71 saves.

The Hornets finished second in the NTL last year with an 11-2-1 league record, with their only 2 regular season losses coming to Athens. The Hornets will need to match Athens’ speed and physical play if they want to win their first league championship since 2011-12, which they can very easily do if they are focused.