The Clinton-Massie High School boys soccer team, from left to right, front row, Max Pertuset, Kolton Ellis, Gabe Peters, Dalton Sibley, Jett Gale, Isaac Arnold, Will Snell, Gage Hughes, Mason McBee; back row, Isaac McElhaney, Noah Harmon, Syrus Bawidamann, Noah Hawk, Daniel Norman, Chase Malatt, Daniel Mefford, William Lawson, Jackson McGraw, Kenton Noggle, Jackson Randolph.
Goshen in the American Division and Bethel-Tate in the National Division were winners in closes races last season in the SBAAC boys soccer standings.
Goshen won the title by a half game over both Wilmington and Batavia.
CLINTON-MASSIE
Michael “Mick” Arnold takes over the boys soccer program on Lebanon Road, his first varsity position in a number of years.
Arnold was an assistant coach at Clermont Northeastern in 1998 and moved to head coach in 1999. Since that time, he has been a local SAY soccer head coach.
In his first season as the Clinton-Massie head coach, Arnold will be assisted by Adrianne Noggle.
The Falcons were 8-5 at one point last season then went winless in their final five matches, 0-3-2. Massie scored just two goals in those final five games while surrendering just eight goals.
Clinton-Massie struggled on offense all season, scoring just 23 goals in 18 games.
Jack Thamann had eight shutouts in goal for the Falcons.
Wyatt Coblentz and Kennedy Morgan had six goals to lead CM in the scoring column. Coblentz, Morgan, Thamann and Sam Massie were first team all-leaguers last fall. All have graduated.
Daniel Mefford, a second team All-SBAAC player last season, is the top returning player. Mefford, Daniel Norman and Noah Hawk, all three-time varsity letterwinners, will lead the Falcons this season.
“We’re incredibly proud of the way our senior leaders have stepped up this season,” Arnold said. “After graduating nine from last year’s team, they’ve embraced the challenge, setting the tone for the younger players both on and off the field.”
It didn’t take Arnold long to see his Massie squad has “heart, hustle and a true sense of unity” to go along with its work ethic, team chemistry and determination “to grow stronger each week.”
The Falcons must improve their consistency, communication and finishing ability in the final third of the pitch to reach its full potential, the coach said.
Arnold said his team has improved its discipline and focus, two areas which allow the Falcons to compete for the top spot in the SBAAC.
“We’re challenging our players to keep developing their skills, lead by example and embrace their roles — whether on the field or supporting from the sidelines,” said Arnold. “It’s all about growth, accountability and playing for each other.”
WILMINGTON
The 1-2 punch of Bryce Vilvens and Ben Angelica led Wilmington last season but that combination won’t be back at it again in 2025.
Vilvens, who had 16 goals and 11 assists, was a senior on the Hurricane squad in 2024 and was co-player of the year in the American Division with Zane Jimison of Goshen.
Angelica had 20 goals and seven assists and returns for coach Imad El-Macharrafie’s Hurricane.
Imad is in his 23rd season coaching at Wilmington. He will be assisted this season by Bobby Oetzel and Robert Collins.
In addition to Angelica, there are eight other returning letterswinners for the Hurricane this season.
Scott Hall had five shutouts in goal last season for WHS.
Angelica, Hall and Zander Johnson also earned first-team All-SBAAC honors last season.
The Hurricane (10-4-3 last season) lost two of their first three matches by 1-0 scores then won nine of their next 10 matches.
Wilmington finished 1-2-1 down the stretch.
El-Macharrafie said Cooper Short, Antony Puz, Braden Littrell and Matt Skarmis are newcomers who could make an impact on the pitch for the Hurricane. Karmis is an exchange student from Denmark.
Aven Patel also graduated this spring and was a steadying influence on the Hurricane the past few years.
The Wilmington coach said the team’s goal is win the SBAAC American Division. Though the players’ tactical improvement is needed, Imad said this is a hard working, good learners and have good chemistry.
“They play for each other,” he said.
2025 Fall Sports Preview: High School Boys Soccer – Wilmington News Journal
