Bobcats aren’t afraid of a challenge

The Berryville Bobcats certainly aren’t shying away from top competition as the 2023 boys soccer season gets underway.

After scrimmaging Carroll County rival — and 2021 Class 3A state champion — Green Forest on Feb. 21, the Bobcats took on Class 6A Fayetteville’s junior varsity to open the regular season on Tuesday, Feb. 28.

Berryville was outscored by Green Forest, then lost to the Fayetteville JV 4-1, but coach Grant Hutson said he likes what he’s seen from his team so far.

“The scrimmage game we lost 2-1 and we only played one half (of varsity competition),” Hutson said. “It was more of a game for experience. We had a couple of seniors graduate and so most of our game plan was trying out different formations just to see who would fit and mesh the best.”

Against the Fayetteville JV, Hutson said, Berryville held its own.

“It was a really, really big test for our kids,” he said. “We were extremely, extremely competitive. Sometimes shots just just don’t make it but for the most part, we were extremely, extremely competitive, which is going to give us a huge boost going into conference and hopefully postseason play.”

The Bobcats are counting on a big season from senior David Tapia, who was elected as a team captain for the third consecutive season.

“He’s scored both our goals so far,” Hutson said. “We’re really relying on him.”

Hutson also praised midfielders Jesus Monroy and Juan Perez.

“Jesus Monroy stepped up and has elected to play a defensive position to bolster our defense and has really been a leader there,” Hutson said. “And Juan Perez has really good ball skills. He kind of commands and leads everyone on the field, hyping them up and getting them excited to play. So those three guys we’re really counting on this year to help us succeed.”

Berryville will host Bentonville on Tuesday and travel to play Subiaco Academy on Thursday.