The Huntington High School boys’ junior varsity soccer team overwhelmed its opponents this past fall, compiling a 14-2 record and showcasing a group of future Blue Devil stars.
Coached by Huntington alum Jose Alfaro, the 24-player team was captained by sophomores Ethan Franciscovich, Osiris Shepherd, Trevor Cueto and Benton Cueto.
Huntington’s high-powered offense was led by Franciscovich, Jairo Hernandez and Jeison Blanco, who all tallied 10 goals each. Trevor Cueto scored eight times.
“Ethan was a leader on and off the field,” Alfaro said. “Calm and collected, he played multiple positions.”
Hernandez also shined during his junior season. “Jairo is a natural forward with quick and his eyes on the goal,” Alfaro said.
Blanco was a standout as a freshman. “Jeison is a young talent,” the coach said. “He had lots of goals for a ninth grader, can play off the dribble and has a rocket on his right foot.”
Trevor Cueto also made a name for himself with the Blue Devils. “Trevor is a crafty forward with great technique and quality moves,” Alfaro said.
The team’s roster also included freshmen Ronaldo Arias-Alfaro, Cristian Avelar-Romero, Matthew Beasley, Matthew Lange, Liam Lennon, Jack O’Brien, Alex Rodriquez, Joseph Rodriquez-Valdez, Dylan Schnitzer and Henry Vohs, sophomores Brenden Abedin, Joseph O’Connell, Andreas Seferian, Jairo Ulloa, Jorge Valle and Moises Villatoro and junior Mauricio Flores.
The Blue Devils claimed victories over Bellport (3-1 and 4-0), North Babylon (8-2 and 4-3), Newfield (2-1 and 3-0), Smithtown East (2-1), Deer Park (5-1 and 8-0), West Islip (4-1 and 2-0), Centereach (2-1) and Comsewogue (2-1 and 10-0). Huntington fell to Smithtown East (2-0) and Centereach (4-3).
“We had a very well balanced team,” Alfaro said. “Players were able to play multiple positions. I’m very proud of my freshman defensive line, which featured a three man system consisting of Matt Lange, Liam Lennon and Dylan Schnitzer. We outplayed and out-shot every team. It was quality soccer.”