After getting to the semi-finals in the state tournament last year, the Layton High Boys’ soccer team looks this year to return to the state championship title to Layton High led by captains Max Garret, Senior; Innocent Twishime, Senior; and Kaden Amano, Junior. The team is already 4-1 this season in region play, winning Viewmont, Hunter, West, and Granger. Their one loss was a hard fought game against Davis, 1-0. Senior, Brock Coleman, said that one of the team’s strengths was defense. He stated, “…in four games, we’ve only let in one goal, so we’ve had three shutouts. That’s definitely our strong-suit.” Twishime stated that, “…we attack pretty well. We contribute, score, and defend.” Coleman stated that one of the things the team can work on is, “…putting the ball in the net. We’ve only scored three goals in four games, which has gotten us three wins, but we would be better off if we could get some 2-0 wins.” Twishime added that another thing the team needs to work on is, “…getting back on the counter-attack”. Another things that the team may have trouble with this season is some of the other talented teams in our region. Coleman and Twishime both said that Viewmont would be a very difficult opponent this year. Twishime stated that this was because they, “…have all around players, they have good attack, and they’re a good, hardworking team.” Another team that they stated could be a challenge is Davis. With these challenging teams, Layton has skilled players that could alter the results of these difficult games.
Game changing players on the team this year include Senior Josh Wilson for his goal scoring ability, “…he’s scored four goals in the regular season, he’s definitely our top goal scorer”, says Coleman. And midfielders Kaden Amano and Easton Embley, both juniors, have the ability to, “…connect passes well to each other, they distribute evenly, and they’re unselfish with the ball.” Coleman also stated that Takum Hepworth, Freshman, is “…a solid player, who will definitely be a good player in the years to come.” Twishime responded that Max Garret, captain and senior, is a great player for the team being, “… one of the best center-center backs in the state.” Another great player on the team is Innocent Twishime himself, who has recently signed with Air Force to play division one soccer in college. Twishime talked about this recent signing, saying that, “I’ve always dreamed about playing D1 soccer, so I’m stoked.”
Most of these players’ skill and hard work in the sport comes from their love of the game. When asked what made him love the sport, Coleman responded, “I’ve always found the sport fascinating, and for some reason, soccer just struck me as something I love. It’s unique and easy to play.” When asked the same question, Twishime responded saying, “It’s just something that I’ve always loved doing with these great people. I love going out and playing with the friends I have. You make a lot of friends playing the sport.” These athletes use their love of the game to play their hardest on the field and get the best results.
With their collection of game changing players such as Coleman, Twishime, and Amano; the Layton boys’ soccer team is looking forward to having an excellent season. Their team chemistry leads to them having excellent teamwork, which has helped them to have great offense, defense, and passing this season. Their love for the sport has led them to fight with all of their heart during their games which has helped them to get results. This collection of friends is hoping to grow and develop this season into the 5A state champions.
Ryan, LHS Centurion