News & Announcements
Season Preview: MS Soccer
Following a stellar 2023 season for both the girls and boys MS soccer teams, TFS saw several of the standouts on both sides move up to the high school level. That equals overall success for the soccer programs, and a great foundation for the current MS teams.
The girls went flawless to the tune of 11-0, outscoring opponents by a staggering line of 53-6. Now, 93% of that scoring power has moved to the high school ranks, including LB Kafsky and her 30 goals (5 assists) and Amari Ernst (9 G, 8 A). The top returning players for the Lady Indians will be Betsey Orr (4 G, 1 A), Mylah McGugan (2 A), and Nora Mitchell (1 A). That trio will lead the efforts in 2024, along with Emily Savage, Erin Sweat, and Stella Radford.
“Defensively, this team looks to have a strong back line,” says coach Laura Higbie. “We will have some young but experienced players on the team that will be able to anchor the defensive third of the team. We are also excited to have a college level center back named Colby Agnor to assist with the team. She will bring even more defensive strategy and guidance to the girls.”
The roster includes four 8th-graders, nine 7th-graders, and four 6th-graders.
“Obviously coming off of a perfect season, it's going to be a challenge to achieve that level of success again, but we are encouraged to see how well we will do with the new group we have,” adds Higbie. “We will be a young team, but I am encouraged by the number of returning players. Coach Agnor and I will be focusing on team chemistry, defensive training, and speed of play to ensure we keep up with opponents of all skill levels. We and the girls are excited to get started!”
The girls play their first home match on February 26 against Lakeview Academy. The Tri-State Semifinals are set for April 22 and the Championship match slated for April 26.
The Indians took a giant leap forward last year, going from a 2-win season to a 6-2 mark in 2023. The reins of the team are handed over from Chris Kafsky to former Lady Indians varsity coach Travis Mullis.
He will have a similar setup to what the MS girls have - a team fresh off a great season but losing several top players to the high school level. While scoring 49 goals and giving up 11 all season, TFS started out the season with a 4-match win streak.
Kale Borchers led that team with 21 goals and 11 assists, and he moves up to the next level. Gone are the next top scorers Isaac Farris (14 G, 5 A), Tyson Hall (7 G, 3 A), and Elijah Hornsby (3 G, 1 A), and other key players such as Gavin Dodd and Jackson Cantrell.
Key returning players include Avery Chatman, Max Damron, Liam Burke, Lucas Woodland, Jackson Crumley, and Carter Shadburn. The boys' roster includes 10 8th-graders, eight 7th-graders, and three 6th-graders.
“Once-a-week training in the fall showed that the returning boys and those who will be joining the roster not only have a strong respect for the game but for one another as well,” states Mullis. “Looking forward to developing more of that respect and facilitating the transition to how the team plays on match day this spring.”
The 2024 season is slated to begin for the boys February 13 at Lumpkin County with the first home match February 26 against Lakeview. There are three home matches in total for the Indians and five away. The finale will be at home March 27 against Towns County.
“In a short time, these same boys will represent TFS at the varsity level and contend in the state playoffs, so it'll be essential to begin developing the respect and the connections at this level so that they will translate in the years to come,” adds Mullis. “I expect that to happen and for the team to have a successful season.”