Photo courtesy of Daniel Decker.
The Hewitt-Trussville High School boys soccer team
The Hewitt-Trussville High School boys soccer team took part in a preseason media day event at Carver High School in Birmingham on Jan. 8.
The Hewitt-Trussville High School boys soccer team enters the new campaign focused on taking the next step forward. The Huskies took the stand at a preseason media day at Carver High School on Jan. 8 to discuss the season ahead.
The Huskies finished 12-11-1 last season and now return under the direction of head coach Daniel Decker, who is entering his fifth season at the helm. While Hewitt-Trussville graduated a large senior class, Decker believes the foundation is in place for continued progress.
“We’re trying to get the whole team to take that next step up,” Decker said. “Getting the younger guys up to the level of the upperclassmen so that no matter who comes off the bench, we are reaching that level. That’s been our offseason goals and expectations.”
Despite losing 11 seniors from last year’s roster, the Huskies bring back a core group of experienced contributors, led by senior winger Brennan Greer. A first-team Class 7A all-state selection, Greer is a dynamic left-footed threat who tallied 12 goals last season and remains a focal point of the attack.
Senior winger Jason Merriweather and senior midfielder Jonathon Emmerich also return and are expected to play key roles for a team that lists only four seniors overall. Their leadership will be crucial as Hewitt-Trussville integrates a number of new faces into the starting lineup.
Hewitt-Trussville has traditionally been known as a ball-control team, and Decker believes the current roster may be even better suited for that style of play.
“We’re going to have a few more tools at our disposal,” he said. “Our style is our style, and we’re getting better at what we do well.”
Several underclassmen are expected to step into expanded roles. Freshman attacker Stephen Delfin is a name to watch as the Huskies add to their offensive production, while junior Steven Richards will move into the holding midfield role, providing stability between the back line and the attack.
In goal, sophomore Bryant Steele is expected to anchor the defense, gaining valuable experience early in the season as the Huskies navigate a challenging schedule.
That challenge is amplified by Hewitt-Trussville’s placement in one of the area’s most competitive regions, which includes perennial powers Hoover, Vestavia Hills and Oak Mountain. Rather than shy away from the task, Decker embraces it.
“That’s a hill we’re going to climb this year,” Decker said. “If anything, they have to get through us. I am calling that out now because I feel very confident and the team does, too.”
