Brock Netter

Brock is SOSA's primary writer and has worked for the Coshocton Tribune, the Kankakee Daily Journal (Ill.), the Vinton-Jackson Courier and the Jackson Telegram. He's a six-time award-winning journalist, a lifelong WWE fan, a suffering Bengals fan and calls the sidelines his home.

BOYS SOCCER: 10 players to keep an eye on this fall

July 21, 2025
, 8:16 pm
, Features

These 10 players are poised for big years on the soccer pitch.

Brock Netter, Editor

Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.

After a near two-month hiatus, high school sports are back in Southern Ohio. Well, they’re right around the corner at least … thankfully.

The fall calendar brings promise in our area as several programs always seem to turn late-season momentum into historic postseason runs. That’s especially true on the soccer pitch.

Last fall, we had five boys programs — Minford, Chillicothe, Gallia Academy, South Webster and Wheelersburg — win district titles with the Falcons making it to the state championship. We expect more of the same in 2025 with rosters full of talent and expectations in place.

So as we get reacquainted with the soccer pitch, here’s a list of 10 players in our coverage area, and in no particular order, to keep an eye on this fall.

NOTE: This certainly does not mean there aren’t other players who will have great seasons. This is simply a list of 10 players we’ve randomly compiled.

Sam Byrd, Senior, Chillicothe

In the blink of an eye, Byrd has gone from a contributing player to a senior leader on a team that made a regional final last season. Seven senior starters are gone, and that leaves Byrd on an island. The Cavaliers will go as far as his leadership, alongside play-making ability, will take them. His talent alone could bring back another FAC title.

Max Lauder, Senior, Minford

Minford possessed one of the best defenses, not just in the area last season, but in the state. Lauder was a huge part of that. He was a leader throughout the year on a unit that allowed just 25 goals as the Falcons made it to the Division V state championship. That defense will only continue to be stingy with the senior returning to the back line.

Beau Hesler, Senior, North Adams

If you’re looking for a sleeper team in Division V, look no further than North Adams, and Hesler is the main reason why. The Division III 800-meter state track champion pushed his Green Devils to 15 wins last season — one that ended with a penalty shootout loss to Minford in a district final. He scored 11 goals and passed out 15 assists, both team-highs. Now with a loaded, experienced team back in the fold led by Hesler, big things could be on the horizon in Seaman.

Luke Mautz, Sophomore, Unioto

The Shermans underwent a program facelift last season, yet found themselves in a district final behind the craftiness of Mautz. Showcasing himself to potentially be the next great scorer to come from Unioto, he found the back of the net 27 times and dished out nine assists. Imagine how much better he’s going to be this season with a year of experience under his belt. He’s got the goods.

Trevor Lochow, Senior, Fairland

Way down along the Ohio River, Lochow sculpted himself into a household name while guiding the Dragons to 12 wins last season. He found goals on 21 different occasions and passed out 12 assists as well, earning himself OVC Offensive Player of the Year honors. Now, all eyes are on him with the graduation of his running mate, Gabe Polcyn. That also means a few more chances to showcase his talents, which spells bad news for opponents.

North Adams’ Beau Hesler will lead the Green Devils into the 2025 season.
CREDIT: *Derrick Webb/SOSA*

Carson Lyons, Senior, Ironton St. Joe

Lyons flew — no pun intended — under the radar last season during the Flyers’ 15-win campaign. Even with limited touches and opportunities, he still managed to find the back of the net 12 times while setting up his teammates to score eight different times. The talent is there and his time is now as Ironton St. Joe lost its top two scorers from last season.

Ryan Howland, Senior, Hillsboro

Howland was a part of a dangerous trio of scorers, but now he’s the focal point of the Indians’ attack this season. He finished in double digits in both scoring (10) and assists (12) last season to help his team win 12 games. The FAC is as open as it’s ever been this season, and it could be Hillsboro’s time to shine with Howland leading the charge.

Brycin McClinitic, Senior, South Webster

Truth be told, anyone on the South Webster’s roster could have been named on this list, considering nearly everyone is back. But McClintic brings a certain swagger and bravado to the team that you simply can’t put a price on. He’s dangerous in the open field and has excellent vision on the wing to advance the ball. After back-to-back district titles, he’s looking to help the Jeeps earn a three-peat.

Breyden Byrd, Senior, Wheelersburg

Byrd is the best keeper returning to Southeast Ohio this season. The only question now is how will he top last season? He had 50 saves, led the charge to a regional final appearance last season and was a first-team All-Ohioan. The only thing that could top that performance is winning a state title — which is a possibility on this roster.

Mason Fisher, Junior, Lynchburg-Clay

The Mustangs have won the SHAC title for the last 12 seasons. If that streak is to continue this fall, Fisher will be at the center of the storm. After nine seniors left the program, the junior steps to the forefront offensively after scoring six times and assisting on four goals last season. Lynchburg-Clay has its work cut out for itself. But if Fisher puts his full talents on display, the SHAC title could absolutely stay with the Mustangs.