Terriers looking to make run at Division II title for 8th consecutive time

The old sports cliché says it’s harder to stay at the top than to get there.

But the Vandebilt Catholic Terriers soccer team has made staying on top look easy.

With 20 consecutive district championships and five titles in their seven straight Division II state championship game appearances, the Terriers have set a standard of excellence in Louisiana prep soccer.

Unfortunately, one of those finals losses came in February to Teurlings Catholic. That defeat has fueled the squad to its 4-1 start this season.

“Both of the finals we lost were in overtime shootouts. We feel like we’re two goals away from seven straight championships,” said 16-year Terriers’ head coach Doug Hamilton.

“To be honest, it’s a lot of self-motivation. The boys don’t want to be the first team to not make it to the finals,” Hamilton added. “My motivation as a coach is for us to be the best soccer team we can be. If we’re the best we can be, that results in a successful season for us.”

Hoping to avoid the mistakes that cost them the title, this season the Terriers have worked on team defense by playing in tighter formations. Hamilton felt his team allowed its opponents, especially the better teams, too many uncontested runs throughout some games.

He also wants his team to play at a faster pace on offense.

“On the attacking side, we want to be more than one-dimensional,” Hamilton said. “Technically, we’re a very solid team. Tactically, we’re coming along. The boys have really adjusted to some of the details that (assistant) coach (Matt) Kelso has put in place.”

One of those details is more frequent passing of the ball between players, not holding on to it.

For the coaches, establishing their playing style in wins against Division I teams like Shaw (7-0), St. Paul’s (2-1) and Rummel (4-0), and Division III rival E.D. White (3-2) will carry over through the season and postseason.

“When we play Jesuit this weekend (Saturday at Vandebilt, 2:30 p.m.), we’re not going to have that extra touch,” Hamilton said. “Two touches and then Jesuit is going to take the ball from you. Even against really good teams, you may get one touch.”

The Terriers found that way on Friday during a 2-0 loss to Jesuit in the Sacred Heart Cup Tournament in Thibodaux.

The game was contested predominately on Vandebilt’s half of the field due to Jesuit’s ability to get to Terrier passes.

While Vandebilt looks to be a lock to win its 21st consecutive district title, Hamilton believes the Morgan City Tigers are an improved team and will give the Terriers their toughest district games.

“We happen to be a district with some newer programs. The kids don’t participate in soccer as much at some of the schools we play,” he said. “That makes this part of the season even more important. How we conduct ourselves on the field, showing sportsmanship, that matters. It’s not just that we win; it’s how we win. We have to guard against bad habits during district season.”

Hamilton said his formula for success is to have some veterans and some young guys who can step up. He seems to have that combination this year.

The Terriers are led by senior goalkeeper Mason Smith, a two-time All-District first team selection, and junior T.J. Freeman.

Smith said playing this summer for the Maine Sting of the National Premier Soccer League, an amateur league, has improved his game.

“It felt great playing with guys who were so much better than me,” he said. “That experience showed me I can take my game to a higher level and how much harder I have to work to get there. But I’m willing to do it.”

Freeman has already scored 12 goals through five games this season. He is on the same scoring pace as his previous two years at Vandebilt.

“He scored 43 goals as a freshman and 40 as a sophomore,” Hamilton said. “So he’s no longer our secret weapon.”

The coach revealed his most improved are junior outside midfielder Matt Robichaux and senior Zack Blum, who is second on the team with four goals, including a 25-yard shot that found the upper right hand corner against Rummel.

However, it is the back line defense that Hamilton can not stop praising. Besides Smith are junior Christopher Watson and seniors Robert Perez and Ethan Himel.

“Himel is super solid. How many six-foot, five-inch guys can move across the back the way he moves?” Hamilton asked.

Of the team’s new starters sophomore Jacob Waitz will have the most pressure on him playing the center midfielder.

“He has a good physical presence for us in the middle. He has to learn the distribution aspect, but it is tough to ask a sophomore to come in and do that,” Hamilton said. “How he goes is going to help us in tournaments when you need guys on the bench to make plays.”

Hamilton has taken on more responsibility this year. This summer, he became the assistant athletic director under new AD Kathy Luke.

Despite the extra duties, Hamilton said he and his coaching staff will maintain the same focus that have brought five championships to Vandebilt.

“I volunteered my services, and I enjoy it a lot because I get to help the whole athletic program,” he said. “I’m glad to have Matt taking over more of the training role with the team. I have around me a bunch of guys who have the same philosophy and approach to building the program that we have tried to promote.”

“Our goal is always the same – play well, prepare well, and play in February in the state championship game,” Hamilton added. “We have to use these games and this time of the season to prepare for that part of the year.”