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Bar set high again for RHHS boys’ soccer
RHHS
Come to Lets Create, 10471 Ford Ave. in Richmond Hill, and show your Wildcat pride! Tonight is about your player or cheerleader. Make a Wildcat door hanger for yourself; bring them so they can make one, too.

By Jeff Moeller, Sports Correspondent

After they had a deep state run last season, Richmond Hill’s boys’ soccer team has once again set the bar high for this year’s campaign.

The Wildcats went to the state’s Sweet Sixteen round last year having their season end in a 1-0 loss to Dacula. They finished with an overall 15-3 record, and posted an unblemished 10-0 slate in region play.

Head coach Stephen Peterson, who begins his fifth season at the helm, believes his team can take a further step this season.

“We had a very good season last year,” stated Peterson. “But this team has the talent to go all the way. It is just a matter of building teamwork throughout the whole season.

“We’re off to a dynamic start.” The Wildcats boosted their record to 3-1 overall (2-0 region) with a 6-0 shutout over Camden County Tuesday night. It was their third consecutive victory, and they have outscored their opponents, 11-1, in the process.

A 2-1 win over defending state champion River Ridge on Feb. 21 has proved to be an early catalyst.

“Our biggest win thus far was against River Ridge,” beamed Peterson. “After beating us two years ago and 7-1 last year, this victory was extremely exhilarating.”

In their win over Camden County, senior Harry Fell and junior Cam Persinger each scored a pair of goals, and senior Jiwon Lim and sophomore Archie Fell each tallied a goal.

Peterson saw the Camden County victory as an example of the team’s recipe for success.

“Our focus is pressure, cover, and oxygen out of the ball space every time the other team wins the ball,” stressed Peterson. “Our win over Camden County displayed a strong brotherhood and indomitable spirit ready to battle and win against anyone.”

Through four games, Harry Fell leads the team with 10 points (four goals and two assists), Persing (three goals) and junior John Lopez (two goals, two assists) both have six points, and Lucas (two assists) and Archie Fell (one goal) each have two points.

Seniors defenseman Kyler Katzman-Neill and goalie Troy Letourneau will be the mainstays in the back end.

So far, Peterson likes the early mix.

“We have moved the ball fluently and created goal opportunities,” said Peterson. “Our defense will be anchored by Kyler Katzman-Neill and gold glove goalkeeping by Troy Letourneau.”

Peterson also has been impressed with newcomers juniors Christian Moore, Jaxon Thorron, and Noah Dixon.

“They are high impact players,” said Peterson. “ Christian Moore is a sprinter with fantastic ball movement and dangerous passing, and Jaxon Thorton is a beast of an outer back with goal scoring capacity. Noah Dixon beats everyone to the ball and creates goal scoring chances almost every time he wins the ball.”

With a solid base forming, Peterson is anxious to see how the team responds throughout the season. The Wildcats will have a busy weekend ahead as they host Colquitt County Friday and perennial power Greater Atlanta Christian Saturday.

“We have four high IQ additions to the team this year with Harry and Archie Fell, Cam Persinger, and Troy Letourneau,” gushed Peterson. “ When you add this to an incredible base set of players from last year, we will be able to generate more goals than most.

“We’re excited about the Greater Atlanta Christian game, and we hope people will come out and support us. These guys are locking shields and genuinely like playing together.”