Despite young roster, bump up to Class 2A, Burrell boys feel they ‘can play with anybody’

By: Jerin Steele
Thursday, September 12, 2024 | 9:40 AM

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Previous Next

Coming off a state quarterfinal appearance in Class A, the Burrell boys soccer team moved to 2A this fall.

Though it’s a step up for the Bucs, it might not be as big as one would assume.

For Bucs coach Andrew Kariotis, the biggest difference is internal.

That’s because a large, experienced senior class graduated, but a younger group mixed with some returning veterans are battling and have a 2-3 record in Section 1-2A.

“It’d be kind of surprising to hear, but (Class 2A) is really not too much different,” Kariotis said. “Our section has top-heavy teams just like last year and some with less experience that are trying to find their way. We had a really tough section in Class A, and we have a really tough section now. The biggest difference is the Double-A teams have a little more depth than Single-A.

“The biggest change for us is that we have less experience on the field. We have a couple freshmen starting, which didn’t happen last year. They’re learning their way as they go.”

Burrell started with wins over Valley and Leechburg but then ran a gauntlet against perennial state contenders Shady Side Academy, North Catholic and Deer Lakes in a five-day span.

The Bucs lost all three, but Kariotis thought his team put forth a good effort against the cream of the section.

“We lost to Shady Side, 3-0, and they were a little better than us, but I still feel like it was a game we could’ve pulled out a win in until the end of the game,” Kariotis said. “The third goal went in with less than five minutes remaining.

“North Catholic we let get away from us a bit. We showed up and found out the JV game was canceled, so the whole day was a bit messed up from the minute we got there, but that’s not an excuse. Our guys didn’t have the best game that day. Deer Lakes was a battle. They’re as good as any team we’ve played in the last two years.”

Burrell starts freshmen Kooper Luffy and Theo Watson. Luffy scored the Bucs’ lone goal in the 2-1 loss to Deer Lakes on Tuesday.

There are five returning players with starting experience led by four senior captains: Billy Kowalkowski, Will Doutt, Luke Postupack and Calio Zanella.

Kariotis credited the captains and their likability for an increase in numbers from 18 last year to 28.

That bump comes after 10 players graduated.

“We picked those guys not only off performance on the field, but off the field as well,” Kariotis said. “They’ve really been leaders before, but the team we had last year had a lot of players who acted like captains and that’s why we were so successful. It was an easy choice. They lead by example, with their voice. Sometimes you worry about having too many captains, but not with these guys. They all deserve it.”

Burrell has Highlands and Freeport next week to complete the first round of section play.

“We’re still in it,” Kariotis said. “The teams above us have beaten each other, and Shady Side tied Freeport, so no one is running away with it. That’s keeping us in the hunt. I told the kids after (the Deer Lakes) game that if we’re on our game and not making mistakes we can play with anybody.”

Jerin Steele is a freelance writer

Tags: Burrell