With the primary video games of the Fall Excessive College II soccer season simply across the nook, MassLive hits the highway and presents a preview of the highest 5 groups in its preseason rankings.

That is adopted by the two-time reigning Division III state champions and our highest-ranked workforce: the primary central place.

The Golden Eagles have not misplaced to an opponent from Western Massachusetts since 2016 and have arguably been the very best program within the area in current seasons.

This system misplaced key gamers like Isaac Boston, Mahari Miller, Dante Bolden and others to graduate on the finish of the 2019 season, however nonetheless return three Tremendous 7 caps in Will Watson III, Joe Griffin Jr. and Marcus Crawford.

After a second straight state championship win, this system wish to play for a 3rd, however nonetheless, Central is wanting ahead to the problem that awaits them in Fall II.

“It’s extremely thrilling for the scholars, coaches, college and the Metropolis of Springfield to know that there’s a recreation and to arrange for a recreation,” stated coach Valdamar Brower. “Youngsters really feel extra alive and take part extra of their distance studying. It was a problem, however coming again to placed on the helmets; kids appear extra energetic.

It has been nearly a yr and a half because the program received the Div. State Championship III at Gillette Stadium. Lots of this squad are returning this season, however Brower expects the schedule to be very totally different when he is able to play Minnechaug in its season opener on March 19.

“It is going to be very totally different,” Brower stated. “It is a completely totally different group of children. There are acquainted faces and there are guys competing for beginning positions. It’s extremely thrilling. The blokes are gaining locations and dropping locations. It is competitors daily. It is nice to be right here.

“I believe we have undoubtedly misplaced lots of good gamers, however we even have lots of good gamers coming again,” Crawford added. “Proper now we’re specializing in the areas our gamers are good at.”

Every season, the Golden Eagles teaching employees wish to hold gamers centered on the following opponent as an alternative of wanting too far down the highway.

That highway has led Central to Gillette Stadium for the previous two seasons, however with no playoffs and simply six video games, the workforce does not really feel like every of their targets modified till Fall II.

“To stay undefeated as soon as once more; it is our mindset, ”stated Watson III. “We predict we’re the very best workforce in Western Mass. And Massachusetts alone. We’re undoubtedly making an attempt to remain undefeated this yr.

“We nonetheless have to point out that we’re probably the most dominant workforce,” added Griffin. “We’ll blow everybody up, kick them off the sector.”