Coming off a record setting season, the Jacksonville High School boys’ soccer team has started off the new season well. So far the team is 7-3 in all competitions and is aiming to win it all. Coach Evan Philpott motivates his team saying the team has lost a lot of seniors but are ready to appoint new faces into key roles on the team.

Luke Hewitt, Brandon Hurt, and Drew Keller are this year’s team captains. Jacksonville’s attacking force, manned by Jack Racey and Reed Rogers, is set to put in the goals throughout the season this year. A strong midfield with the likes of Zack Belford and Drew Keller basically runs the center of the field with decisive passes and great tackles. Jacksonville’s defense runs strong with full-back Brandon Hurt and center-halves Calvin Fenner and Luke Hewitt who fight to win deciding headers and protect goalkeeper Luke Hadden.

Early this season the Crimsons have been struck by injury. During Jacksonville’s game versus Springfield High School, defender Reece Cox was brought down  with a blow to his collarbone. He will be out for the rest of the season with the injury. The Crimsons are expecting  to make a state run in the postseason to mirror the success of last year’s dream season.

In recent action the game versus Alton Marquette ended in a tough fought victory for the Crimsons. The fiery and passionate game concluded with  1-0 as the final score.  The Crimsons came away thirsty for more wins. Jacksonville is gearing up for next week’s big games against CS8 rival,  Rochester Rockets and then at home on Wednesday to face Quincy High School. With the rest of the season to work on their tactics and positioning, success looks inevitable for the Jacksonville Crimsons.