WL Knights seek ninth consecutive district title
By By Josh Taylor/The Meridian Star
Nov. 8, 2001
The West Lauderdale High School soccer program begins it's ninth season under the same coach it started with, Alex George.
Remarkably, the Knights have won their district eight years in a row. The Knights won the state championship two years ago.
The Knights 2001 campaign will be coping from the loss of two key players in striker Todd Doolittle and stopper Chris McWilliams.
Many other Knights are ready and willing to step up into that leadership role.
Look for senior sweeper Will Mosley to anchor the defense while senior striker Josh Murphy and senior striker Brandon Rodgers will be key offensive players.
Also, look for junior goalie Tyler Skelton to step up. "He's really matured into the role," said George.
The attitude around practices is one of confidence and determination.
The Knights will face tough district competition from teams like Philadelphia and Newton County.
Northeast Lauderdale Trojans
The Northeast Trojans will be returning 15 players from last season's 9-6 district championship soccer team for another run at the title.
The Trojans biggest loss were goalies Chase Spencer and Drew Smith. Look for junior Ragan Denham to step up and fill the spot.
Mathews is expecting many players to step up and lead the team including senior sweeper Jay Jacobs and senior stopper Chris Stevens.
Other key players will most likely be sophomore midfielder Chad Brunson, junior forward Ryan Sweet, junior forward David Williams, and junior midfielder Cody Abrams.
The Trojans only weakness is a depleted defense.
The Trojans are set for another run at the district title.