Experience could weigh heavy for Lady Bulldogs
By GEORGIA PURDY

District 18-4A soccer gets underway this week, and the Jasper Lady Bulldogs should have the experience to do well despite the new alignment having two teams, Henderson and Nacogdoches, who advanced to post-season play-offs last year.

"Just from past success, Henderson and Nacogdoches should be the toughest teams because of their experience in the playoffs," coach Ron Vickers said. "Jacksonville has also had a good team in the past. Palestine finished a close fourth in their district last year to Jacksonville I think, and we played them very close in their tournament in a 1-0 loss in the last 18 seconds."

There is no doubt that it will be harder to advance in a district with eight teams. Add Livingston, Lufkin- Hudson, and Center to the mix; and the field is crowded with hopefuls.

Jasper has only two seniors, forward Valerie Dufner and midfielder Rachel Vickers, but both are four-year starters.

"Valerie has played and started as forward all four years," Vickers said. "We are expecting her leadership as a senior captain to help us in our new district."

Rachel Vickers is also a second-year captain.

"Rachel began as a midfield wing and defender her freshmen year but settled in as midfielder where she has played since she was a sophomore," Vickers said. "Having two four-year players on the field at all times allows us to have strong leadership from almost anywhere on the field."

Jasper has a strong group of juniors who begin their third year on varsity.

Jessica Alvis moves to the midfield after spending two years primarily on defense and subbing at forward. She will be one of the junior captains.

"With great speed and a wonderful work ethic, Jessica has adapted to whatever position she has played," Vickers said. "She has the potential to score as well as catch opponents who might get past our other defenders."

Amanda Miesch, the other junior captain, will play sweeper.

"Amanda will play sweeper (our last defender) most of the time, but has the ability to play forward when we need a little more power at that position," Vickers said.

Brooke Wagnon, who plays wing midfield, is the third junior starter. While she did not start every game her freshman year, the got a lot of playing time and became a starter her sophomore year.

"Brooke scored several times last year and was missed when she was injured late in the season," Vickers said. "We are expecting an even better year from her."

Other juniors who Vickers says are valuable as back-up and sub players include Gabbi Zavalla, Rachel Brown and Katie Waldrop. Zavalla and Brown are two-year lettermen. Waldrup, Vickers said, is much improved in only her second year of play on the high school team.

Last year's freshmen are now seasoned veterans. Second-year starters include forward Kelsey Walker, wing defensive players Lindsey Bowers and Morgan Marx, and Jacy Manning at middle defense. Marci Ratcliff, who started several times at midfield wing last year, will move to goalie, replacing four-year veteran Jessica Holcombe who graduated.

Vickers said that Ratcliff was recognized as "Tournament Player" from Jasper in the recent East Texas Shootout.

To other sophomores with playing experience include Heather Holcombe and Kayla Floyd.

There are also several freshmen that will make the varsity squad.

"Players likely to have significant playing time include forward/wing Natalie Dufner, wing Caroline Kipp, and defender Rebecca Vickers," Vickers said.

Vickers said that others may also get to play varsity since some of the teams do not have junior varsity squads. Jasper's 27 players gives them enough for a JV team where younger players can get experience.

Jasper opened district last night with Henderson and will play Center at home Friday night. Jasper boys will play at home on Tuesday nights; the girls will be at home every Friday.