The Tharptown varsity boys soccer team made the playoffs the first year of the program in 2021. The Wildcats were eliminated by the Mars Hill Panthers by the narrowest of margins.

In year two, Tharptown has its sights set on making a deeper run into the playoffs.

“We were very pleased with the way our first year went,” said Tharptown Coach Scott Vance. “We were disappointed we lost to Mars Hill, but we know we can play with these teams.”

There is reason for confidence and optimism, as Tharptown returns all but two starters from this past year’s team.

“We have the bulk of our team returning, and they are hungry to make a run into the playoffs,” added Vance. “The guys work hard, and they enjoy the game and being around each other. There is a pride in making the Tharptown soccer program successful for the school and the community.”

Tharptown is off to an undefeated start in their area, going 6-0.

The varsity girls program is still trying to get its first area win, but Vance has seen many improvements.

“The girls work hard every day,” Vance said. They just have to gain some confidence and momentum. Once they do that, we are going to be OK.”

Vance said the community’s response to the soccer program has been great.

“This is something this community has wanted for a long time,” said Vance. “We have had great community support at the games, through fundraising, and with volunteers.”

Tharptown soccer competes in Class 1A-3A Region 7 with Danville, St. Bernard, J.B. Pennington, East Lawrence and Holly Pond.

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THARPTOWN VARSITY GIRLS ROSTER

No. Name

2 Braisly Barboza

3 Rosalinda Jeronimo

5 Alyssa Dalrymple

6 Claudia Carrillo

7 Ingri Flores

8 Debora Francisco

10 Haley Abarca

12 Sophia Ibarra

13 Elena Lucas Castaneda

14 Jacie Harris

16 Basny Miguel

20 Emily Campos

21 Jasmine Lucas

23 Erika Campos

24 Ashley Alonzo

25 Yohana Betancourt

27 Yaricsa Rosales

88 Katelyn Mardi

99 Angie Chavez

THARPTOWN VARSITY BOYS ROSTER

No. Name

0 Edwin Vela

1 Jeremy Vasquez

2 Luis Valdez

3 Carlos Vela

5 Ismael Perez

6 Anthony Hernandez

7 Christian Franco

8 Christian Vasquez

9 Alex Quintero

10 Rogelio Francisco

11 Alfredo Gutierrez

12 Christopher Mojica

14 Christian Lucas

15 Dylan Valdez

17 Rolando Solis

21 Ricardo Hernandez

22 Leonardo Lucas

24 Elias Patino

55 Sabas Avalos

88 Joshua Lopez

99 Alex Moctezuma

Dario Chavez

Ricardo Guiterrez