Carlynton boys continue to show improvement with WPIAL playoff berth

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, October 18, 2018 | 9:09 PM

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Nick Showman had ambitious goals when he took over as coach of the Carlynton boys soccer team before last season. He wanted to make the Cougars a playoff regular, and, by creating more buzz for the team, he wanted to have some of the district’s best athletes stick with soccer rather than gravitating to the “other” football.

In 2017, Showman’s first season at the helm, Carlynton went from a one-win team to a six-win team. The Cougars made another leap this fall, going 10-5-1 overall (7-4-1 in Section 3A) and qualifying for the WPIAL playoffs.

“A couple of the games against the top two teams (in the section) kind of got away from us,” Showman said, “but overall, I am extremely happy.”

Senior captain Gabe Prepelka said Showman has stressed speed and conditioning, which helped with ball movement. Now, rather than the defense booting the ball into the offensive end and hoping a green shirt catches up to it, the Cougars are able to move the ball methodically but quickly up the pitch.

“We’re able to get it up through any defense with ease,” Prepelka said. “My freshman and sophomore years, we seemed to play just ‘normal’ high school ball: Just get it to our fast forward and try to score.

“Coach Showman brought possession to the team. It looks a lot nicer, and it’s a lot easier to get through other defenses.”

Once the ball got to the offense, that meant chances for prolific goal-scorers Carnel Kerr and Wajud Adebiyi. Both are juniors and new to the team: Kerr, who hails from Jamaica, moved into the district last year but did not play soccer. Adebiyi is from Nigeria and joined the Cougars late last season.

Kerr has 28 goals and Adebiyi 16. Not only did they score in bunches, but they opened up offense for others and allowed Showman to adjust some roles.

Prepelka added seven goals but shone more as a playmaker with 12 assists. Sophomore Demetrius Howe, who Showman said carried the burden on offense last season, settled into a more complementary role in the midfield.

“Everyone has a role to play,” Showman said. “And as long as you’re doing your role, you’re helping the team.”

Howe, Gabe Prepelka and Lucas Prepelka anchor the midfield, creating smooth transitions from defense to offense and generating offense themselves. And the defense, Gabe Prepelka said, has become more settled, patiently and confidently working the ball up to the midfield rather than settling for long kicks toward the offensive zone.

Showman hopes to replicate the 2018 formula next season and beyond. He will have many of this season’s key contributors returning in 2019, plus, he said, he is excited about the talent coming up through the JV and junior high ranks.

If all goes according to Showman’s vision, success will breed more success, which will foster increased interest in the program from prospective players and fans.

“Overall, for building the program, I just want to keep the excitement going,” he said. “We’ve had some good crowds turn out, and we’ve had some fun stuff. Just trying to get everyone in the community involved more.”

Added Prepelka: “I have seen the team grow and excel. I take pride in the fact that people know Carlynton can make the playoffs and isn’t a team you can just brush by. I am really happy and proud of us that we have been able to boost the program.”

Charles Curti is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Charles at ccurti@tribweb.com or via Twitter @CCurti_Trib.

Tags: Carlynton