With a veteran returning nucleus, including seven starters from a state playoff team a year ago, expectations are high for the Madill boys’ soccer team as they embark on the 2025 season.
The Wildcats posted a 6-7 record last season, which got them in the playoffs before bowing out to eventual state runner-up Clinton, 3-1, in the opening round.
Madill will rely on a strong midfield and talented crew of upperclassmen to lead the charge for Coach Jose Cortes’ squad.
“Our strength will definitely be in the midfield area,” Cortes said. “Our forwards, wings and midfielders are all an experienced group. With that group back we are going to try and attack more. We are considerably better up front, and I think that will help us produce more goals offensively. We also have the most depth on that end as well.”
Putting the ball in the net was an issue at times in 2024 as the Wildcats scored more than one goal five times – all of which ended in the Madill win column – as well as adding a 1-0 nailbiter over Ardmore.
Strong goalkeeping was a major reason for the success a seasonagoandtheWildcatswill have to break in a new keeper this time around.
Sophomore Christopher Narvaez is expected to fill that role early on after serving as the team’s backup last year. Coach Cortes also likes the promise of Izaiyah Sanders, who is playing for the first time this year but has been a bright spot in early drills. Both will have a lot of room to grow and mature as the season goes along.
While those youngsters learn the ropes under varsity fire, the Wildcats will attempt to keep the pressure on opponents with their seasoned, attacking unit which includes Misael Trevino, Uziel Flores and Adrian Gomez, who were the team’s top scorers.
Also back as attacking midfielders are Izael Flores and Rodrigo Guevara with Tobith Guevara, Erik Grimaldo and Osvaldo Salazar being counted on to key the defensive back line and try to keep the pressure off the young keepers.
“Our defense really trusted our senior keeper last year, so those guys are going to need to play better with not as much experience behind them,” Cortes added.
The good news for Madill fans this year may be they don’t have to see defending state champ Heritage Hall in district play.TheyhaveaddedAdaback into the league schedule as well as another strong club from Community Christian.
Coach Cortes believes Bethany and Chickasha, two of the clubs that gave Madill losses a year ago, should be the teams to beat in the district race this season.
With their experience though, he feels like the Wildcats will once again be right in the thick of the race for a return to the playoffs.
Madill is slated to open the soccer season Tuesday at home against Durant before traveling to Oklahoma City to participate in the Classen Tournament on March 6 and 8. The Wildcats’ first district outing is March 25 when they host Harrah.