Original Article on Longview News-Journal Website

Pine Tree opens district soccer race on Tuesday

|By JOE HALE|

Monday, January 31, 2005

The Pine Tree Pirates kick off a new era as they open their District 16-4A soccer title defense Tuesday against neighboring Hallsville.

Just a season removed from reaching the UIL Class 4A State Soccer Tournament for the first time ever, the Pirates are 5-5 through 10 non-district matches under first-year PT coach Andre Lo.

Lo replaced Tom Wait, who guided the Bucs to a 24-7 record in their best season to date, one that ended in a semifinal loss to Brenham last spring in Georgetown.

"I'm looking forward to getting our district started again. I think our kids are also. We're very young in some areas,'' Lo said.

‘‘And, I anticipate our share of ups and downs along the way, but I feel we will be OK. I think our future looks bright.''

Lo and this year's ‘‘Muddogs'' will be looking to continue a playoff run of eight years in a row, which was started under Wait, who took the coaching reins at LeTourneau University following last year's prolific run to the state tournament.

“There are going to be tests along the way,” Lo continued. “We're in a tough district. It will be a challenge. I would have to give my pre-season nod to Nacogdoches.''

The Dragons return a dozen seniors from the team that Pine Tree eliminated 3-2 in overtime in the Region II finals a year ago. Nacogdoches was preseason ranked No. 4 in the state.

The Pirates deal with the Bobcats, Lo's former team first, now under coach Benjamin Cantu. The JV squads play at 5:30 p.m., followed by the varsity at 7 o'clock.

Kilgore, Henderson, Marshall and Center will each have something to say in the outcome as well in the 2005 district race.

"Our district will be a dogfight, because there are a number of quality teams. We will probably be the underdog because of our youth and inexperience,” Lo added, “but, I feel we will have a good chance if we can stay healthy.''

Five sophomores or more starting a game for the Pirates hasn't been uncommon this year. In Saturday's Muddog Classic, Nathan Lo, Matt Cain, Zach Williams, Krisjon Phillips, Nick Dobbs and Scott Goodwin were playing together at the same time. And, all are sophomores.

Jordan Dubois leads this year's Pirates in scoring with four goals, Jonathan Zimicki follows with three and Tony Guillen and Ryan Darr have two each. Goodwin, Jace Estes and Jesse Reynolds have contributed one apiece.

“We haven't been as productive as I would like, but I'm hoping that will change," Lo added. ‘‘We're working on our defense to get better.''

The defense has been led by Josef Aragon, Kyle Niehaus, Nick Morales, Michael Beener, Nick Dobbs, Dubois and Reynolds.

The Lady Pirates (7-3-2) open district play, Friday at home against Lufkin Hudson.

Among the Lady Pirates leaders in the Georgetown tournament this past weekend were Anne Lundbey, Jaclyn Friday, Carolyn Letherman and Shelli Small.

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