By BUTCH HARMON
A year ago, the Lansing Christian boys soccer team made school history when it captured the Division 4 state championship. This year, the Pilgrims enter the home stretch of the season ranked no. 1 in the state in Division 4 and are gearing up for another run at a state title.
Things have not been as easy this season, as the Pilgrims have faced adversity right from the start. Martin Lang, a first-team all-state player last year, broke his foot at the beginning of the season and did not return to the lineup until a Sept. 24 matchup against Maple Valley. In what might be a bad omen for Pilgrims’ opponents in the state tournament, Lang showed that he is close to midseason form, as he scored a goal and added an assist in his return to the lineup.
Lang returns to a high-scoring Pilgrims offense that has been receiving a big season from Jacob Lyon, who scored close to 20 goals by the end of September. Alex McDowell has also stepped up as a big playmaker along with senior Jon Carlock, talented sophomore Nick Jamieson, and Bryan Guzman-Ortiz. The Pilgrims defense has also performed well this season in front of returning all-state goalkeeper Chase Hansen.
Lansing Christian was one of three area teams to win state championships last fall, and the area is again primed for multiple titles.
In Division 1, Okemos is ranked first in the state. The Chieftains feature a dynamic defense led by seniors Cal Brogan and Tyler Bailey and have faced a rugged schedule to prepare for what should be a deep tournament run.
East Lansing won the Division 2 state title last season, and despite heavy graduation losses, the Trojans are ranked no.3 in the state in Division 2. Super senior DeJuan Jones is a returning all-state player who will be tough to beat once the tournament begins Oct. 13.
Linden was ranked No. 1 in the state in late September and will also be one of the favorites once the tournament begins. Kevin Wright and Ben Thornton lead a potent offense for the Eagles, who tied Powers Catholic earlier this season.
Mason has also been ranked in the top ten in Division 2 and will be a big factor in the postseason.
Powers Catholic captured last year’s Division 3 state title, and the Chargers ended September ranked second in the state. They extended their unbeaten streak to 26 games in late September. The team is strong on defense and can score plenty of goals with a balanced attack led by Will Haron.
Williamston has been ranked in the top five for much of the season. The Hornets return a ton of talent from a team that reached the regional final a year ago before it fell to Powers. Midfielders Josh Ward and Aidan Pace have been leading the way for the Hornets this fall.
Frankenmuth is also a top-ten team in Division 3. The Eagles have a high-scoring attack led by Elliot Trombley and Bryce Reinert.
While Lansing Christian is the top-ranked Division 4 team, Valley Lutheran has been close behind in the state poll. Valley Lutheran can score goals in bunches with the dynamic one-two punch of Cameron Kish and Marco Anchondo, who have combined for over 35 goals heading into the final month of the season.