Who are the Somerset County boys soccer players and teams to watch in the playoffs?
Five Somerset County boys soccer teams earned the right to challenge for District 5 gold. The Class 1A quarterfinals will be contested on Thursday, while the Class 2A semifinal will be held on Wednesday.
Conemaugh Township is the No. 2 seed in 1A, while Somerset is the second seed in 2A.
Here is a look at the players and teams to watch in the postseason:
Preseason Players to Watch Who are the Somerset County boys soccer players to watch in 2023?
Class 1A
Defending champion: McConnellsburg
Favorite: Fannett-Metal
Contenders: Conemaugh Township, McConnellsburg, Everett
Dark horse: Windber
Outlook: McConnellsburg topped Rockwood for the title a year ago. The Spartans have just three losses this season, one of which is to top-seeded Fannett-Metal. The two teams split their regular season matchups. Meanwhile, Conemaugh Township's lone loss of the year came to McConnellsburg. Windber, Rockwood and North Star also earned playoff berths. The Ramblers have been a surprise this season, winning with a crop of underclassmen and just four seniors on the roster.
Players to watch
Davis Bruening, Rockwood, jr.
Bruening has been one of the major contributors once again this season, after scoring 19 goals a year ago.
Dylan Giffin, Conemaugh Township, sr.
Giffin leads Conemaugh Township in goals. He can also distribute the ball. The team will go as far as the senior leader can take it.
Rocco Hagan, Conemaugh Township, fr.
Hagan has been a welcomed addition to the team. In his first season, Hagan finished third on the squad in goals and fourth in assists.
Sean Hemminger, North Star, fr.
Hemminger is second on the team in goals. He has been a major factor in the team's success throughout the season.
Max Malicki, Conemaugh Township, sr.
Malicki is another senior leader on Conemaugh Township's deep roster. He is fourth on the team in goals and has double-digit assists.
Alex Reifs-Martinez, Rockwood, jr.
Martinez leads the Rockets in goals. He has come in and led the way in his first season on the squad.
Damian Miller, Windber, so.
Miller is the lone Rambler with double-digit goals. He also leads the team in assists.
Derek Prince, Windber, so.
Prince is second on the Ramblers in goals and assists.
Parker Scherer, North Star, jr.
Scherer has been nothing shy of impressive throughout the year. He leads the Cougars in with double-digit goals and assists.
Jackson Sotosky, Conemaugh Township, jr.
Sotosky is one of the top goal scorers on the team. With an injury to the starting keeper, Sotosky has seen time in net as well. He also leads the team in assists.
Class 2A
Defending champion: Bedford
Favorite: Bedford
Contender: Somerset
Dark horse: Chestnut Ridge
Outlook: Bedford bested Somerset in penalty kicks to win the title a year ago. The year prior, it was the Golden Eagles who downed the Bisons in penalty kicks. Bedford advanced directly to the championship game this season with Forbes Road opting out of the postseason. The Bisons edged the Golden Eagles 1-0 on Oct. 18. All signs point to another showdown if Somerset can take care of Chestnut Ridge in the semifinals on Wednesday.
Players to watch
Cole Johnson leads the Golden Eagles in goals, but they are balanced behind him. Tanner Wassilchalk, Logan Seslow and Alex Smith are tied for second in goals. Isaiah Armstrong and Kahne Foltz have also made contributions. First-year keeper Kai Petrosky has performed well throughout the year, recording 11 wins, including four shutouts.
Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on X (Twitter) @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: D5 boys soccer playoffs open with 5 Somerset County teams chasing gold
