Soccer teams start rebuilding

The Philadelphia High School soccer teams haven’t played many games this season because of COVID-19, but both coaches say their teams are looking forward to next season.

“We got a late start on the season because of the COVID but we practice every day that we don’t have a game,” said coach Courtney Bounds “We are hoping we will be able to play at home more next season.

“I have a young team. Most are freshmen and sophomores. There is a lot of potential on this team. We are working on fundamentals and structure. They have already made a lot of improvement. You can see it in their games.”

Coach Bounds played soccer when she was a student at Philadelphia High School. In fact, she was on the first Lady Tornadoes soccer team.

Paris Hantzis and Dakota Hudson play striker for the Lady Tornadoes. The outside midfielders are Jakatlyn McClendon, Sarah Richardson and Baley Massey.  Elesha Frazier and Carleigh Edwards are the forwards. The defenders are Charmaine Manzano, Kamry Creel, Maggie Taylor and Zahrea Griffin. The goalie is Rayleigh Parkison. Also expected to play are Lakyia Houston and Ruthie Storment.

The Philadelphia boys are under head coach Hunter Ketteringham, another Tornado soccer alumni.

Adrian Luke and Zach Willis are the strikers. John David Collins, Lathan Johnson, Tristen Shannon and Bryson Boler are the midfielders. Playing defense will be Connor Long, William Beckham, Trey Posey and Cameron Goss are the defenders. Playing goalie will be Marcus Porche is the goalie.

Cameron Tucker and Brice Crockett will also see action.

“It has been tough,” Ketteringham said. “There is a lot of uncertainty, not knowing who you are going to have from one game to the next.”