Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
The Eastwood boys soccer team produced a 10-win turnaround last year, ultimately finishing 12-6-2 and advancing to the district championship game, but key departures and how they respond to them could define this year’s team.
The Eagles will be led by third-year head coach Curtis Smallwood. Entering this season, he not only lost seven players to graduation, but 11 players who are still in high school decided not to return. That means nearly 20 players from last year’s team won’t return, and the program will not be able to field a JV team.
Among the players lost due to graduation are Caden Oberhaus, Jonas Bushman, Cody Lutz, Austin Miller, Hunter Wilson, Nolan Taylor and Raif Johnson. Around half of those with eligibility remaining who chose not to return were expected to play significant roles, including an All-NBC center forward and a three-year varsity starter on the wing.
“Replacing that kind of experience won't come from one or two players,” Smallwood said. “It'll take everyone stepping into bigger roles and contributing throughout the season.”
Conversely, the Eagles will return central midfielders Cody Hefflinger and Hayden Cadaret, as well as center back Oliver Phommalee in a three-person senior class.
“Our senior class will play a huge role in determining how far we can go this season through their leadership and experience,” Smallwood said.
Additionally, two junior fullbacks return: Everett Ward and Ayden Heuerman.
“This will be their third year starting in our complex system and their familiarity with it, along with their athleticism and soccer awareness, allows them to have a major impact on games from the width,” Smallwood said.
On top of that group, Eastwood brought in sophomore transfer CJ Carrizales, who prepped at Northwood last year.
“He brings a lot of high-level club experience and has been outstanding throughout the preseason,” Smallwood said. “I expect him to play a major role in our success this year, even though state transfer rules will limit the number of games he's eligible to play.”
With all the shuffling on the roster, the coaching staff’s biggest focus will start with becoming more connected as a team.
“We want to develop a true hive-mind mentality where everyone is on the same page, both in possession and defensively,” Smallwood said. “If we're all working toward the same goal and playing as one unit, we'll give ourselves the best chance to win.”
Despite the challenges of a limited roster, Smallwood is confident in his team.
“I'm really excited about the group we have,” he said. “Despite the challenges we are facing with roster numbers, our standards and expectations remain high. I expect our players to compete every time they step on the field. Our goal is to finish at the top of the NBC, improve on last year's record and continue building a winning culture here at Eastwood.”
