ROGERS -- Rogers High boys soccer coach Stephen Peck has to be on a first name basis with most of his players.
Peck just can't bark out a last name from the sideline during games anymore. That's because the Mounties have four sets of brothers on the roster. Three of the sets of brothers can be on the field at the same time, and all four sets of brothers have been together at least one time this season.
Rogers High has four sets of brothers on the boys soccer roster and three sets of the brothers have all been on the field at the same time during the season. All four of the younger brothers are freshmen.
Daniel Rivera^Senior^Center Midfielder
Cobi Rivera^Freshman^Outside Midfielder
Ruben Balderas^Junior^Keeper
Alex Balderas^Freshman^Center Midfielder
Wilson Valdez^Junior^Defender
Alex Valdez^Freshman^Defender
Alex Rios^Senior^Center Midfielder
Alberto Rios^Freshman^Keeper
And each of the older players is mentoring a freshman Mounties soccer player.
Senior center midfielder and team captain Daniel Rivera is often on the field with his younger brother, freshman outside midfielder Cobi Rivera. Junior keeper Ruben Balderas also plays some with his younger brother, freshman center midfielder Alex Balderas.
Junior defender Wilson Valdez and his brother, freshman defender Alex Valdez are both starters while senior midfielder Alex Rios has played some with his younger brother, freshman backup keeper Alberto Rios.
Peck said the situation is the first for him as a coach, but very enjoyable.
"I have to be careful what I say during games to make sure I'm communicating with the right player," Peck said. "It's nice though because they all have their positive attributes and gifts to the team. It's definitely unheard of, and four of the brothers are freshman."
Peck said all four of the older brothers work well with their younger siblings. But he sees the most interaction between the Valdez brothers since they play the same position and are always close together on the field.
"I can always hear Wilson talking, giving direction and encouraging Alex on the field," Peck said. "They play next to each other, so they are in ear shot of each other. I hear the same thing from the others, too."
The Valdez brothers have been playing together for several years and Wilson said that experience has been invaluable on a Mounties team that is 7-2-1 overall, and 1-0 in the 7A/6A-West Conference.
"I love playing with my brother because if I mess up, I know he has my back," Wilson Valdez said. "I also have his back."
Daniel Rivera has an added responsibility of being a team captain but Peck said he treats his little brother, Cobi, the same as other teammates. Daniel Rivera has been a starter since his freshman season and he has signed with Eastern Oklahoma State to play soccer next year.
"He coaches out on the field the same for everybody," Peck said. "I think for Daniel, it's an added bonus and a pleasure to be out there with his brother. Daniel doesn't expect more from his brother. With all the brothers, I don't see anything negative, over-bearing.
"They are guiding them, helping coach them to be better players."
Rogers stunned Springdale High 3-2 on penalty kicks last week and Cobi Rivera scored his first varsity goal in the victory. Daniel Rivera said that moment will stick with him for some time
"It's very special for me since he is a freshman," Daniel Rivera said. "When I saw him score, it was one of the best feelings I have had in soccer."
Cobi Rivera is playing competitive soccer with his brother for the first time and he said that he has learned a lot by watching Rogers over the last several years.
"It's a great opportunity to play with him," Cobi Rivera said. "I have learned by watching him that you have to pass the ball more. There are a lot of good players on the teams we play, and you have to be ready to play hard all the time."
Sports on 04/05/2014