After a 4-9 season that ended with a loss to Russellville in the opening round of the 13th-District tournament, a youthful Rebel roster that featured fourteen underclassmen got even younger for 2021.
However, while it might seem the Rebels would be planning for the future, instead their talented youngsters already appear poised to move the program forward and make some noise in the postseason.
The Rebels will have to make do without a couple of familiar faces on the offensive side. Last season’s leading scorer, Mikey Everett, will spend his senior season on the football field after posting 7 goals and 2 assists as a junior. Luis Herrera chipped in 3 goals and will also not return for his senior campaign.
Sophomore Chi Herrera leads the returnees up front after scoring 3 goals and adding 4 assists last season, with fellow sophomore Ivan Lopez also back on the offensive side. Trey Osbourne should also figure prominently in the attack after 5 goals and an assist as a freshman. Freshman Tanner Henderson will also be expected to contribute up top for the Rebels.
Junior goalkeeper Jonah Rager anchors the defense after posting a pair of shutouts and making over 7 saves per game last season. Sophomores Zack Robinson, Aaron Mansfield, and Grady Reding also return to the back line. Sophomore John Riley Service and freshmen Cole Gilbert and Caleb West will also bolster the defense.
Sophomore Jack Hudson is back in the midfield to pull the strings for the Rebels along with junior Nando Herrera. Freshman Chris Salazar will provide another midfield option.
Coach Mike Smith expects to hand increased minutes to junior Sam Padgett and sophomore Ric Garcia-Sears, with junior Cameron Wheelock and sophomore Edwin Vasquez also ready to step in.
Freshmen John Craig and Brett Harris are versatile options in the field and freshman Tanner Robinson and sophomore Jaxson Addison will provide speed and aggression wherever needed.
Lone senior Angel Villanueva missed out on much of the summer training with the Rebels but is back with the team to kick off the season and is sure to make an impact.
Todd Central opens the season on the road at Madisonville-North Hopkins and then has over a week until they return to the field for a home match with Hopkins County Central on August 17. District play begins on August 31 with a trip to face defending champions Franklin-Simpson.
