Playoffs?

After being moved down to WPIAL class 2A from 3A Beaver Area boys are expected to make it into the soccer playoffs and be competitive throughout the season. They were moved down because there was a slight decrease in male enrollment in the district.

The Bobcats haven’t made the playoffs since 2017 which ended up being a deep run that ended in the PIAA quarterfinals, so a return to post-season play would be welcome.

The Bobcats struggled in the previous season finishing 2-1-11, but most of that was due to being in 3A. Their two wins, one in overtime against Chartiers Valley and one late in the season against Central Valley showed 3A’s tough competition including Moon, West Allegheny, Montour, and South Fayette.

“Every game was tough; it was a battle from start to finish,” said junior Porter Oberg.

With the 2A move, the Bobcats, under the leadership of Coach Scott Hazuda, get to renew their rivalry this year with former foes they haven’t played in years. They get to take on defending state champions Quaker Valley, rival Hopewell, and Freedom.

“I like how our team looks and think we can be good. It helps that we are back down in 2A,” said assistant coach Grant Mundy.

The Bobcats started the season with a four-day summer camp at California University of Pennsylvania to help them prepare. Throughout the summer they also played optional pickup games. Pickup games allowed players to draft teams and then play a game or a mini tournament. They also had two practices a day for a week running up to the season opening.

“Games this year should be a lot better for us, and most of them should swing in our direction,” predicted sophomore Gabe Forchella.

The starting goalie for the Bobcats is senior Robert Cestra. Even Quaker Valley’s announcer was stunned by Cestra’s impressive performance in the Bobcats first section game.

“Robert Cestra, no matter whose side you’re on, give that kid a hand,” declared QV’s announcer.

As for the junior varsity team, they are hoping to do much better than last year as they were only able to score once all season. Things may be looking up though because they just beat Hopewell 1-0 thus winning their first game in 692 days.

Freshman Zach Orend said after the victory, “I am ready to get to work and win some games.”

So far the Bobcats have looked good in their first three games, but the season is still young and there is still room for improvement.

Photo courtesy of Jen Cestra