15 surprise standout players for Seacoast high school boys soccer. Who's on the list?

It’s always nice to watch talented players live up to expectations, but sometimes it’s even more gratifying to see others exceed them.

There are plenty of those types of athletes populating area high school boys soccer teams this season.

Here are 15 players who fit that description in the Seacoast:

Aram Brewer, Traip Academy, senior

Aram Brewer hadn’t played soccer since middle school when he decided to try out for the Traip Academy varsity this season.

The senior not only made the team but has fit right in and played an integral role in the Rangers’ strong start.

“He has come in and filled a void at center back, helping solidify the back line as the missing piece,” said coach Mike MacLeay. “Watching Aram play, you'd have no idea that he hasn't played high school soccer until this year. His composure on the ball, decision making, intelligence and communication have been a huge reason for our team’s success so far this season. Most importantly, Aram has been a great teammate and example for younger players within the program with his team-first approach.

Ronan Casey, Marshwood, junior

Marshwood’s Ronan Casey, for instance, was a swing player last season who didn’t see much playing time at the varsity level. But this year the junior has emerged as a defensive stalwart for the defending Maine Class A champs, who allowed just two goals in their first six games.

Casey is consistently matched up against the opposition’s top forward.

“Ronan has become a lockdown defender for us this year,” said coach Ben Deschene. “He’s great out of the air in winning 50-50 balls and has a high soccer IQ. He’s a great communicator and a leader for us on the defensive end.”

Noah Crosby, Spaulding, junior

Spaulding’s Noah Crosby made major strides during the offseason and continued to impress once the season started.

“Noah Crosby has been a shut-down defender for us at the same time as contributing to our build up and attack,” said coach Steve Lynch. “His speed is significantly better than his sophomore season and his endurance keeps him on the field the whole game.”

Crosby’s vast improvement hasn’t gone unnoticed by opponents.

“Noah displays the soccer IQ of a much older player,” Lynch said. “He's playing his position exactly how we ask and often helps teammates when they need support. We have seen teams avoid his side of the pitch during the second half because they figure out it’s not worth going to that side.”

Dylan Drunsic, Exeter, junior

With most teams focusing their attention on high-scoring forward Sam Henry, Exeter’s Dylan Drunsic has flourished with six goals and four assists through the Blue Hawks’ first seven games including game-winners against Manchester Central and Londonderry.

“The hard-working striker shows no signs of slowing down,” said coach Dan Curran.

Lincoln Godzik, Somersworth, eighth grade

Lincoln Godzik, despite being in middle school, feels right at home at the varsity level for Somersworth. As the Hilltoppers No. 1 keeper he leads the team in saves and can also play up if need be.

“He’s made some phenomenal plays between the posts that have kept us in games,” said coach Matt Carrington. “He’s also proven he can play the field and when he does he plays with the maturity and physicality of an upperclassman.”

Zephaniah Grandmaison, Somersworth, freshman

Freshman Zephaniah Grandmaison has been one of Somersworth’s most reliable defenders this season.

“He’s one of our most aggressive players on the pitch,” Carrington said. “Offensive players have found it difficult to get around this defender due to his impressive speed and tackling abilities.”

Gar Hindle, Portsmouth, sophomore

Portsmouth’s Gar Hindle cracked the starting lineup toward the end of last season and has picked up where he left this year as a sophomore.

Hindle’s first responsibility is defense but he isn’t afraid to join the offense in transition.

“Gar has emerged as a core piece to our success,” said coach Eric Martens. “Defensively, he has shown to be a tough one-on-one defender who can neutralize opposing teams’ top attackers. Offensively, Gar has shown a willingness to go forward and push numbers into the attack. Gar has been a steady voice of positivity and composure despite being one of the younger players on the team.”

Matt Napoletano, Newmarket, freshman

Freshmen Matt Napoletano has made an immediate impact this season for Newmarket.

Napoletano has started every game and become a key part of the Mules’ midfield, “challenging 50/50 balls and maintaining possession,” said coach Kenny Najem. “He plays most every game and does not falter when he's tired. He has a high motor and a knack for getting in opportunistic positions both on defense and offense.”

Jackie Prompadit, Newmarket, freshman

Jackie Prompadit has become a starter on defense for the Mules in his freshman season.

“Always delivers a solid performance,” Najem said. “A very steady player that you can rely on to make the right play and be in the right spot. He's great at knowing when to jump into the play when attacking and holding back when he has defensive responsibilities.”

Cam Lacouture, Exeter, sophomore

Sophomore Cam Lacouture has become a mainstay on defense as a starting center back who plays major minutes.

“His ability to learn our defensive system so quickly, lead the back line and his decision-making have grown quicker than anyone could have imagined,” Exeter head coach Dan Curran said.

Wyatt Lyczak, Oyster River, sophomore

Wyatt  Lyczak went from wanting to make the team to starting as a sophomore.

“He's our brick wall day in and day out with his speed and near telepathic defending,” Oyster River head coach Akan Ekanem said. “He plays a major part in keeping our opponents at bay.”

Jacob Murphy, St. Thomas Aquinas, sophomore

With just four returning seniors on the roster, the Saints were going to need some of the underclassmen to contribute right away. Sophomore Jacob Murphy has done just that.

Murphy moved from wing to a striker position for first-year head coach Ethan Rech.

“He’s done well in that transition,” Rech said. “Hopefully, he’ll keep progressing.”

Aydn O\'Riordan, Winnacunnet, senior

Senior forward Adyn O’Riordan has thrived offensively this season for Winnacunnet with six goals and one assist.

“He has been a pleasant surprise for us this year,” said coach Nick Rowe. “He works hard daily and rarely gets knocked off the ball.”

Aaron Page, St. Thomas Aquinas, freshman

Freshman Aaron Page, a midfielder, quickly cracked the lineup to become the only rookie to start for the Saints. He is adept at creating his own offense or setting up a teammate.

“Being the only freshman starter on varsity can be a big task,” St. Thomas first-year head coach Ethan Rech said. “He’s very technical with the ball. If he wants to take somebody one-on-one he can. His speed on the ball is there. He also has good vision.”

Camden Tucker, Oyster River, junior

Oyster River’s Camden Tucker changed positions for the greater good. Now a defensive center midfielder when he was previously further up the field, the junior has made a seamless transition.

“He's a menace to our opponents breaking down their attacks and triggering our counter-attacks with ferocious efficiency,” said coach Akan Ekanem.

Editor's note: Dover High School coach Ronan O'Doherty elected not to single out any players for this story, while York head coach Julie Johnson didn't return multiple requests for her input.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: High school boys soccer: 15 surprise standout players in NH ME Seacoast