ROGERS — Rogers High must replace a three-year starter in goal, but Mounties boys soccer coach Stephen Peck has a seasoned senior class and plenty of experienced underclassmen as they look to make another run at the Class 7A State Tournament.
Rogers defeated Bryant in the first round at state last year before losing to eventual state champion Springdale High 2-0 in the quarterfinals.
“I think we will be all right,” Peck said. “I’ve got some really, really good talent. I’ve got some guys that really know the game. We are playing well together and working well together. ”
Schedule
Rogers High Mounties
Date Opponent Time
March 5 Claremore, Okla. 3:30 p.m.
March 8-9 Ft. Smith Tournament TBD
March 11 Harrison 7 p.m.
March 12 Berryville 7 p.m.
March 16 Pryor, Okla. 7 p.m.
March 29 Van Buren* 7 p.m.
April 2 Joplin 7 p.m.
April 5 at Springdale High* 7 p.m.
April 9 at Bentonville* 7 p.m.
April 12 Fayetteville* 7 p.m.
April 17 at Carl Junction, Mo. 7 p.m.
April 19 Siloam Springs* 7 p.m.
April 26 at Springdale Har-Ber* 7 p.m.
May 2 Rogers Heritage* 7 p.m.
May 3 Siloam Springs 7 p.m.
*7A/6A-West Conference Game
Senior Danny Garcia is back at center-mid and is one of the team’s best passers while junior Daniel Rivera brings three years of experience to the defense. Victor Calderon also brings game experience to the defense.
“Garcia can do things with his feet that I can’t do with my hands,” Peck said. “Rivera has started just about every game since he came to the varsity level.”
Junior Jesus Garcia is expected to step in and defend the goal for the Mounties.
“For the first time in three years, I don’t have a returning goalie,” Peck said. “Jesus is going to do a very good job. He is very strong and very quick. He is very coachable, and he understands the game. I don’t think we will drop off in goal at all.”
Senior Alex Matute is also expected to provide quality minutes after missing most of last year with a knee injury. Junior Dane Rogers will also provide some offensive punch up front.
“We’ve got some speed up top,” Peck said. “Dane is turning it on scoring wise in scrimmages and practices. He has been scoring quite a bit. I’ve got a technically skilled team. Conditioningwise, we are in good shape.”
A lack of height is one area Rogers must overcome, Peck said.
“Heightwise, we still will be challenged,” Peck said. “But that is always a challenge for us.”
Peck coached the Mounties and Lady Mounties last season but gave up the girls position when Taylor Hayes was hired last spring. Peck, however, doesn’t have a full-time boys assistant, and that means he must also coach the junior varsity squad.
“I’ve got one volunteer coach right now,” Peck said. “This will be a chance to work with the younger players.”