A step up in classification could present somewhat of a challenge for the Apalachee High School girls soccer team in 2009.
Coach Scott Bates said the outlook for the new season is positive overall although the move to Class AAAA could make it a little more daunting.
“We should be competitive, but we have some young girls that we’re asking to contribute early on,” the coach said. “I expect to compete for a playoff spot, but there are a lot of quality teams we will be up against.”
Key returning players for the Lady Wildcats include Hannah Holmes (goal), Anna Hill (defender), Amber Burgess (offense/defense) and Holly Dyer (forward).
“If our older players can lead in a positive way, and the younger ones follow that leadership, then we should be successful,” Bates said.
The AHS girls advanced to the first round of the playoffs last spring falling to Carrollton, but Bates stressed AAAA will be a “whole other issue.”
“We go from competing with six teams for four spots, to 11 teams for four spots,” the coach said.
“Mathmatically alone it is tougher, not to mention overall quality.”
The Lady Wildcats open the season in the Oconee Cup, weeklong tournament which began earlier this week.
