Feeder program: Junior varsity 'Cats blank Silver
DEMING – Deming High soccer began to reload following heavy graduation at the conclusion of last season. The process took steps forward on Friday with a junior varsity scrimmage against the Silver High Fighting Colts at the DHS Soccer Field.
A pair of sophomores legged in goals for DHS in a 2-0 victory. Isrrael Gonzales scored in the first half and Sebastian Cardoza added an insurance goal in the second half.
DHS varsity coach Jesse Kriegel is banking on a last year’s junior varsity core to step up and fill varsity roles. “The varsity game is a lot faster pace and requires quick decision making. We may be strapped for depth this season.”
The Wildcats have dropped out of the Class 5A and will no longer compete in District 3-5A. However, many of the Class 5A schools will still get a shot at Wildcat soccer during the non-district portion of the season schedule.
Gadsden, Alamogordo and all four of the Las Cruces major high schools will fill the Deming schedule.
The Wildcat’s new District 3-4A will include Chaparral, Santa Teresa, and Silver High of Silver City.
Junior varsity coaches Walter Hand and Chris Cardoza fielded 33 players for Friday’s practice match. More than half were eighth and ninth graders. “Everyone got playing time and each one stepped up and worked as team,” Hand said.
Hand singled out Deming defenders Will Castle and Uriel Gonzales with strong play. Wildcat goalkeeper Octaviano Martinez kept the Colts out of the goal.
“Coaches Kriegel and Angel Del Rio have built a strong soccer program at DHS, reaching the 5A tournament last year and we hope to keep that momentum going with the younger players joining the team and feeding into varsity as they gain experience and skills,” Hand explained.
DHS varsity and junior varsity teams will be playing in a tournament in Silver City on Saturday, Aug. 13. Varsity plays at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Jayvees are yet to be scheduled.
Bill Armendariz can be reached at 575-494-5059 or biarmendariz@demingheadlight.com.
This article originally appeared on Deming Headlight: Feeder program: Junior varsity 'Cats blank Silver
