Boys soccer notes: Scouts’ 2-0 start should keep early buzz going strong

By Jason Guarente — MikeDragoSports.com senior correspondent

Conrad Weiser was among the boys soccer teams that generated some preseason buzz. The opening weekend is likely to create some more.

The Scouts posted shutouts against Cocalico and Blue Mountain for a rare 2-0 start. They’ve won their opening two games for the first time since before 2007, when they were county champions.

“We’ve been seeing a lot of success and a lot of progress in the offseason,” said coach Derek Long, who was the top scorer on that 2007 team. “We came in with some pretty high expectations. To finally get the results makes all the difference.”

Marty Ramsay scored three goals and Ibrahim Sheriff had two for Weiser, which has produced one winning season since lifting the Berks trophy. Those two were expected to be prolific scorers.

“They’re playing really well,” Long said. “It just kind of happens they’re the ones at the end right now. At practice it’s pretty even. If someone tries to mark them, I’m pretty optimistic we have plenty of other guys who can step up.”

Curren Shesniak and Dylan Smith are both four-year starters who patrol the midfield. John Dolinsky and Aidan Ruth play out wide and will produce some goals. Gavin Rapp has made an impact as a freshman.

Weiser has seen a jump in participation from the mid-20s to around 40 players. More players mean more competition and that’s always a good thing.

The Scouts had a breakthrough when they went 12-8 and qualified for the county and District 3 playoffs two years ago. They hope to challenge for the Berks II title and will test themselves against Fleetwood at Robesonia Tuesday.

“This year’s team coined the phrase, ‘All In,’ ” Long said. “These guys are all in as far as putting in the work in the offseason. Two wins against two good teams. They’re excited.”

Here’s what else happened over the weekend:

• Oley Valley rolls: Those Oley Valley attackers who have been waiting for their turn to shine erupted in their first two games. Danny Turchi scored five goals and Anthony Witt scored three in victories over Upper Perkiomen and Pottsgrove. The Lynx face a road gauntlet this week: at Tulpehocken Tuesday, at Wyomissing Thursday and at Lancaster Mennonite Saturday.

• Twin Valley opens strong: Twin Valley defeated Kutztown 5-2 in coach Jason Long’s debut. Hunter Charron scored two goals for the Raiders. Vinny Acinapura had a goal and an assist.

• Bullets pour it on: Brandywine Heights, which came within seconds of qualifying for the county playoffs last season, scored 10 goals in its opener against Susquenita. Owen Lichtenwalner had three of them.

• Bowles scores twice: Christian Bowles had a pair of goals for Antietam in its loss against Fairfield. The senior is the league’s active leader