The 2026 boys soccer team kicked off their season with a bang, winning their first game on August 19th against Traverse City with a score of 4-2, thanks in part to a large number of underclassmen on the varsity team. The team has not only shown their determination and grit throughout their season, but they have also demonstrated maturity and expanded their skills. The HHS varsity boys soccer team consists of a roster of 27 players, 21 of whom are underclassmen, and 14 of whom are freshmen. These underclassmen are not just numbers on a roster; they have proven to be a great addition to the team. 

When asked about this year’s younger team, Logan Dean, a senior and one of the team captains, expressed, “My biggest worry was the maturity and how much [the underclassmen] would be messing around during practice or games…I still think we are a goofy team that likes to have fun at practice, but we get the work done.” He also noted, “The team has changed a lot from my freshman year; I was the only freshman that started… compared to our team now, [where] just about half of our starting lineup are freshmen.” Freshman and goalie Kaleb Edenburn spoke about his experience playing on varsity as an underclassman: “My confidence has increased a whole lot since [the beginning of the season]. I'm more willing to challenge corner [kicks] and attackers. I'm most excited for the things we can win, [for example,] Districts.”

Despite being underclassmen-heavy, the team does not let it define their philosophy and character. The team’s current stats are as follows: Julian Tejada (soph.) has 5 goals and 1 assist, Adriel Belmares (jr.) has 10 goals and 4 assists, Anthony Parra (fresh.) has 14 goals and 4 assists, Augustine Hernandez (fresh.) has 3 goals and 8 assists, Logan Dean (sr.) has 3 goals and 3 assists, Damian Hernandez (fresh.) has 5 goals and 7 assists, Kevin Hernandez (sr.) has 1 goal and 2 assists, Kacen Klotz (fresh.) has 1 goal and 3 assists, Jaden Lara (fresh.) has 2 goals and 2 assists, and Noah Saavedra (soph.) has 1 assist, Bronx Jones (sr.) has 1 goal, Chris Santiago (sr.) has 1 goal, and Pablo Garcia (soph.) has 2 goals and 1 assist. 

The boys will take on their first District game this Wednesday, October 14th at Oakridge.