MONTAGUE — Montague has a very tough act to follow in 2025, after a senior-led squad led the Wildcats to their first-ever district title last fall. However, with another batch of talented seniors this year, coach Brandon Mahoney is optimistic his team will again be very competitive.
No doubt there are big gaps to fill. Top scorer Trevor Trevino, center midfield dynamo Lucas Husband, star keeper Robby Smith and 6-5 defenseman Giovanni Franco were just a few of the key departures, and who exactly will take those positions won't be determined right away.
"We definitely have got some guys that can shoot, some guys up top," Mahoney said. "I think our biggest struggle is going to be trying to fill those voids on defense. There's a lot of guys I think could play defense, but we've got to get them in that mindset that they want to play defense, and it's an important role."
One player who could see a big offensive role is sophomore Isaiah King. Mahoney got a good look at King this summer through officiating some club matches, and at the Grosse Ile Island Cup, he said King led a scoring explosion that helped his team win their age group.
"I think he's finally figured it out, which is perfect timing for us," Mahoney said.
Korben Sanchez and Michael Jones, who were factors on last year's team as well, appear poised to step into larger roles. Both players have impressed Mahoney with their dedication in the offseason.
"Korben Sanchez and MJ, they're at the township (complex) every day," Mahoney said. "Every day that they're not working at McDonald's trying to make side money, they're touching a soccer ball. Those guys were good last year. Korben got hurt early and so he didn't get to play much. It'll be nice to see him have a good, strong senior year."
Noah Raeth, the Wildcats' lone returning all-conference first-teamer, is back to play a big role in the midfield, and Jonah Henderson is another major returner. Those two and King fit the scrappy mold Mahoney likes in a player; he noted Henderson in particular was still trying to take the ball away from Fremont opponents right up to the final minute of last year's district championship win.
There is also a strong group of freshmen that look like they'll force their way on the field through sheer effort. Their best soccer is still ahead as they adjust to the more physical style of varsity play, but the skill is there.
"Some of these guys that are freshmen, their biggest problem will just be that they're not going to be as strong on the ball," Mahoney said. "They're going to get pushed around a little bit. They're going to want a call, and that's high school. You're not going to get a call."
Some of the younger players, though, have grown a few inches since last season, which will help the team play the physical style needed to succeed.
The Wildcats, who narrowly missed a West Michigan Conference title last year, still expect to be in the hunt this year. Ludington, North Muskegon and Whitehall are the most consistent power programs in the league, but Fremont showed with a regular-season win over the Wildcats in 2024 that it too can be pesky.
"It feels good to be, in the last four years, that top four mix," Mahoney said.
As for the postseason, the district appears to be there for the taking. Hosted by Hart, it contains northern teams, and the notable absence of the Packers, depriving them of a chance to avenge Montague's finals win of a year ago.
"We've definitely got potential," Mahoney said. "We're going to have to work hard."
