Through the first week of the season, Shady Spring found itself on both ends of the emotional spectrum.
But it was, ultimately, a successful first week.
The Tigers opened the season with a rare win over Charleston Catholic. Two days later, they lost to reigning Class AA state champion Huntington St. Joe on a goal with two seconds on the clock.
They then avenged a 2025 loss to Winfield with a 3-2 win over the Generals on Tuesday.
“I’m really pleased with the way the boys have played, the effort they’ve competed with each game,” head coach Josiah Smith said.
Shady loses three seniors from last year’s 12-8-1 team in Luke Mackay, Trace Lilly and Garren Armentrout. But a hugely experienced group of players returns with hopes of leading the Tigers to new heights.
Among them is senior Jack Billeter, who has grown into a top goalkeeper.
“Incredible experience, athleticism, speed, fight,” Smith said. “He’s a leader on our team.”
Senior center backs Parker Lester and Grant Lawson will anchor the back line. Senior wing backs Gabe Masula and Owen Lugar provide many attributes.
“Incredible speed,” Smith said of Masula, adding that he is “growing in his capacity to contribute significantly for the team.”
Senior midfielder Micah Smith is the offensive leader.
“He is our dynamic goal scorer, leader, guy who’s really a handful for opposing teams to have to deal with,” Josiah Smith said. “He’s a fighter. He’s leading incredibly well with our boys.”
Junior Evan Rivera also falls under the “dynamic” category.
“Evan Rivera is a lightning quick, dynamic player who also has a significant amount of soccer experience and is just a guy that is fun to watch,” Smith said. “He’s very fast, but his decision making sort of sets up his speed. There’s some soccer players who have the wheels and they can fly, but they’re really not technically savvy or they’re not making the right decision at the right time. Evan’s got both, so it’s really tough to deal with.”
Another junior, Ezra Smith, provides versatility with his ability to play multiple decisions.
“He’s kind of one of those workhorse players who’s willing to do whatever it takes to help the team,” Smith said.
Junior Jefferson Bardales brings skill with an infectious attitude.
“He’s a creative playmaking kind of a guy who also plays with a lot of joy,” Smith said. “I love the way he pulls people up with his communication, with his laughter.”
Smith added that sophomore Brier Damron has elevated his game and freshman Peyton Malott brings energy and carries a lot of experience for a player his age.
Many of the seniors and juniors have been key contributors since they were freshmen, which makes them all the more important.
“The challenge, I think, with our program has been that because we haven't historically had huge numbers, guys who've had some experience, who know the game, who have been working, often got chances earlier here than they might have at other programs,” Smith said.
“All those seniors pretty much were all playing big minutes as freshmen, so they've had four years of that. Same with the juniors. There's an extent where they've just had to take ownership, and now they're just a level more mature, a level more experienced and I think more able to embrace the culture of our team, lead in the areas they need to lead and make the team better.”
The Tigers (2-1) will host Nicholas County Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
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