POTTSVILLE, Pa. — Shenandoah Valley Boys Soccer claimed the Schuylkill League Division II Title in the program’s second year of existence in a dominating 10-0 win over Weatherly Area, improving to 10-0 in league play.
Head coach, John Burke, has been coaching most of the players on the team since they were in elementary school. The team believes in him and believes in each other.
“I'm feeling pretty confident. I'm pretty happy, we had our goal to get to the finals and I'm pretty sure— not pretty sure, I'm confident that we're going to get there,” said senior Ayden Zamudio. “We're going to get to the final,” he said.
As of October 6th, Zamudio and senior, Joan Menjivar, lead the team with 32 and 25 goals apiece. Zamudio’s 32 is good for most in the entire Schuylkill league.
“Having Johnny (Burke) be able to coach the defense and having him able to mentor all of them and having Ayden on top, you know, it makes it way easier for us to score goals, our defense, too. So, we know what we have,” said Menjivar.
Senior Johnny Burke is the son of head coach John Burke. Coach Burke has been coaching his son and many of the players since they were in the youth league. Having that team chemistry and close bond is a large part of their success.
“I'm expecting to make some noise and not just stay content with the division championship, I’m looking to win the league,” said Johnny Burke. “It would mean everything. This sport, I've been playing since I was four or five years old and like they said, with the same kids, since we were in 3rd, 4th grade, forever. So, to make it with them, it would be really special. I would remember it for the rest of my life,” said Burke.
The team has one regular season game left to play before the Schuylkill League playoffs begin. The Blue Devils play Minersville (7-4) on Thursday. Minersville is currently in a tie with Tri Valley to make the postseason. The Miners will be extra motivated heading into Thursday evening.
“What makes us confident is these players,” said coach Burke. “They came in this year with a different attitude, right. In the past, they were kind of just free will, free will kids, you know, just looking to play. They didn't care where they played, they didn't care what the outcome was, they just wanted to play. But this year you can see they have a little bit more hunger in their eyes and they want it a little bit more. So, I believe in them,” said Burke.
The Schuylkill League Quarterfinals begin Saturday, Oct. 12th at Blue Mountain High School. Shenandoah Valley will play the winner of Blue Mountain and Minersville/Tri Valley in the semifinals round Monday, Oct. 14th.