By David Johnson

Sports Writer

Members of Hobbton’s soccer team run conditioning and agility drills at practice Monday morning.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_Soccer-2.jpgMembers of Hobbton’s soccer team run conditioning and agility drills at practice Monday morning.

In his second year as Hobbton’s head soccer coach, Jonathan Jacobs is excited about the upcoming season. The Wildcats start the season with a match at Midway on Aug. 17, and then go to the Battle of the Beach, playing East Duplin and Croatan on Aug. 21 and 22.

“We have a tough non conference schedule to get us ready, with Midway and Clinton, as well as the Battle of the Beach,” said Jacobs. “We expect to finish the season either 1 or 2 in our conference. Our expectation is to finish the conference in first place. We finished in the second round of the playoffs last year, and this year we want to go further.”

“I have 25 people show up and want to keep at least 22 so we have enough to scrimmage against each other,” continued Jacobs. “Fourteen of those guys are returning players.”

Senior Christian Vega commented on the upcoming season, saying, “We have a decent team this year and looking forward to it. We are working hard and want to make it a great season for us. We are looking for a conference championship this season, and hopefully we’ll get it.”

Andrew Molina, also a senior, said, “Our goals are to come out at least in the top 3 in the conference and qualify for the playoffs. As a senior, I want to play the best I can and make everyone proud.”

“My goal for the season is to win conference and have a great playoff and make the best of my senior year,” said Abreheem Alawashi.

Overall, the Wildcats enter the season with very high goals. They are looking to build on a successful finish to last year’s season, and to rely on experience throughout the course of this one.