Burnet boys soccer has solid showing against Marble Falls

CAPTION: Burnet freshman Jayden Guerrero challenges for the ball as sophomore Jose Rios-Rodriguez begins to move. Photo by ShaunnaLisa, Cliffhanger Loop Productions

The Burnet High School boys soccer team performed well against Marble Falls in its first scrimmage of the season Dec. 12.

“I saw a lot of progress,” head coach Benjamin Boorman said. “We have a very young team. I have six freshmen on the varsity team. We’re very talented, but the boys are still finding out where they’re supposed to be and how we work, because we just got some of the football players back and have only been practicing together as a team for two weeks. It was a great opportunity for us to learn. … It was a great test to start the season for the future.”

He noted that in soccer, some teams may rely on their brute strength and speed, while others will lean heavily on strategy and working their way to net.

“Sometimes it has nothing to do with physicality, and sometimes it has everything to do with it, so we have to be prepared to play both,” Boorman said. “I think every soccer coach in Texas understands that they’re going to need some big physical tough players, but they’re also going to need very mindful and tactical players who understand how to outwit larger opponents. So in my opinion, we are a pretty even mix. I have some upper classmen who are football players who are extremely physical, who have been key playmakers on the Burnet High School football team, and then we also have some very quick and fast players that can stretch a defense. Then we have some very technical players who can pass the ball and keep possession of it. So I think we have all the pieces we need to succeed.” 

Among those pieces are freshman Alvaro Rodriguez, who “has been ready,” Boorman said.

“He’s been my best player since the seventh grade,” he said. “I think that this whole freshman crew has been playing together since they were little, and it’s a strong group. They show up to everything, they play together and most of them play for a league. So I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do.” 

The coach singled out several traits about this team that stood out.

“They’re following direction, they’re very coachable,” he said. “There’s no talk back in this team. There’s no thinking they know better. They listen to the coach, and they’re open to clear ideas. They’re listening, they’re learning, and I know that they’re going to be movable as we move forward, which is a great opportunity as a coach. A lot of times you get a bunch of talent and the kids all think they know what they’re doing, so they go in separate directions. But I think we’ll be moving in the right direction as we as we continue the season.” 

The Bulldogs will play their final scrimmage against Pflugerville but moved the match to Friday, Dec. 19, at Burnet Middle School Stadium. The junior varsity will play first at 4:30 p.m. and the varsity will follow at 6 p.m.

After that, players and coaches will enjoy the Christmas holiday before returning for practices New Year’s week and participating in the Kerrville Showcase and junior varsity tournament Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 1-3.

To help with preparing for the showcase, the Bulldogs will host its annual alumni match Monday, Jan. 29, at 5 p.m.

CAPTION: Burnet junior Rigo Valdez puts his body between the ball and Marble Falls senior Drake Taylor. Photo by ShaunnaLisa, Cliffhanger Loop Productions