War Eagles Hope To Make Noise

ROGERS HERITAGE HOPES TO STAY HEALTHY THIS YEAR

The War Eagles’ Phillip Amaya moves the ball downfield against the Mounites at Heritage High School in Rogers, April 16.
The War Eagles’ Phillip Amaya moves the ball downfield against the Mounites at Heritage High School in Rogers, April 16.

— Rogers Heritage boys soccer coach Craig Frank endured one of the toughest of his career with regard to player injuries in 2010.

All-State forward Chris Hernandez broke his ankle in the first conference game, and as many as three more starters were sidelined at times throughout the remainder of the season.

But the War Eagles still managed to make the state quarterfinals before falling to 7A-West Conference foe Springdale High on penalty kicks. Frank comes into this season optimistic about his team, with several returning starters and several others who saw playing time last season.

Frank said the Heritage oftense was a little less potent without Hernandez, but the War Eagles found ways to win close games, fi nishing 15-7-2.

Sophomore Diego Santillian is one of the players who stepped forward after the injury to Hernandez. As a freshman, Santillian scored 16 goals and will be counted on this season to supply some oft ensive fi repower.

Seniors Phillip Amaya and Jose Hernandez both return in the midfield, while sophomore Saul Lopez will quarterback the defense.

Amaya, who will be looking to break his own singleseason school record for assists, is confident the team’s chemistry will be good.

Lopez is another player who was called into action last season because of injuries.

“He got his baptism by fi re last year,” Frank said.

Frank said Chris Hernandez could return, but he’s still unsure how strong he will be for his senior season.

“It just depends on if his body heals,” Frank said. “His injury was significant. It takes most football players two years to come back. His ankle was totally shattered. They had to rebuild it.”

Chris Hernandez has not been medically released yet for full-scale practice, but he could get clearance in the next week or so, Frank said.

The big loss to graduation was all-state keeper Ruben Arrue, but Frank has three working to fi ll that spot.

Junior Alberto Pinto, sophomore Javier Piedra and senior Joel Lemus are all working right now to find Arrue’s replacement.

“All three of them will see time,” Frank said. “They’ll fight it out and win the job on the fi eld.”

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