The 27-player strong Huntington High School boys’ junior varsity soccer team proved to be a formidable opponent this past fall. The Blue Devils compiled a 9-3-3 record.
Guided by Jose Alfaro, who was voted Coach of the Year by his peers in the league, the squad was captained by Cruz Flores, Keegan Malone and Zach Schnitzer. Huntington dropped a pair of 1-0 verdicts and lost a third game by a 4-2 score.
Flores and Keegan both excelled at defense while Schnitzer shined at midfield. Sophomore Brian Hernandez was another standout midfielder for the Blue Devils.
“Cruz Flores led by example,” Alfaro said. “He’s quiet, but let his lockdown defense do the talking. “Brian Hernandez is crafty, strong and smart and he ran our midfield. Keegan Malone is a wall on defense and superb in aerial duals. He’s a leader on and off the field.”
Schnitzer also played a vital role in Huntington’s successful season. “Zach is a speedy winger with a lot to prove,” Alfaro said.
The coach said the entire season was a building process. “We hope it will lead to varsity level success,” Alfaro said. “Every game had a meaning. Beating Commack (3-1 victory on September 20) was fun!”
The Blue Devils had to overcome injuries and transportation issues that resulted in the team having minimal time to warm-up prior to games and rushing to finish before the sun set and darkness enveloped the field.
“This team was eager to learn and continue our tradition,” Alfaro said. The coach hopes this year’s set of players move on and win a state championship.