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By Casey Roberts, Contributing Writer

As the Lincoln County High School boys soccer team prepares to kick off the new season, Head Coach Carl-Lewis Cummins is optimistic about the squad’s potential, despite facing the challenges of a young roster.

“We have focused a lot on our touches and being comfortable under pressure in tight spots,” Cummins said, emphasizing the team’s preparation strategy. The Patriots are setting their sights high this year with clear objectives. “Our goals for this season are to compete for a District and Region Championship,” he added.

One of the main areas of focus for the team will be enhancing their offensive creativity. “We are looking to improve our creativity in the attacking third,” Cummins noted, recognizing that success in these tight spaces will be critical for their championship aspirations.

Key Players and Emerging Talent

Lincoln County will lean on several key returning players to lead the charge this season. Junior striker Hunter Stafford is expected to be a focal point in the attack, while senior midfielder Zeke Wallin and senior defender Tucker Elkins will anchor the midfield and defense, respectively.

Cummins is also excited about the impact of some standout newcomers. Freshman midfielders River Wallin and Cooper Wells, along with freshman goalie Jayden Warmouth, have caught the coach’s eye and are poised to contribute significantly. “These freshmen are coming off a 12-0 season this past spring in middle school, and they have meshed well with our upperclassmen,” Cummins said, highlighting the promising future of the program.

The leadership of team captains Lane Sergant, Zeke Wallin, and Hunter Stafford will be crucial as they guide this young team through the rigors of the season. “They are upperclassmen on the team that lead by example and consistently work hard,” Cummins praised, underscoring the importance of strong leadership in building team dynamics.

Challenges Ahead

The biggest challenge facing the Patriots this season is their youth. “Over the last two seasons, we have lost 15 varsity players either from graduating or transferring,” Cummins explained. “We have a young group of LC guys that are eager to play and will give it all they have. We are going to gain a lot of experience very quickly this season.”

Despite the challenges, Cummins is confident in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion, fueled by the strong team chemistry that has developed. “Our team chemistry is the best that it has been,” he said, noting the seamless integration of the freshman class with the upperclassmen.

Community Support

As the season approaches, Cummins emphasizes the importance of community support in the team’s success. “Community support is incredibly important to our team,” he said. “Having the community come to games and cheer us on is a big motivator and advantage.”

The Patriots officially begin their season Aug. 15 on the road at Anderson County, they make their home debut Aug. 20 against fellow 12th Region foe Wayne County.