The excitement is building on the Seacoast as the 2026 high school boys soccer season looms, and the community has already started to recognize its emerging star.
Jack Blyth, a senior midfielder at Exeter High School, was selected as the 2026 Seacoast High School Boys Soccer Preseason Player of the Year through an online community vote, capturing 50.2% of the total ballots and edging out Lincoln Godzik of Somersworth High School, who finished second with 41.4%.
Blyth’s rise is not just a flash in the pan; last season he contributed five goals and five assists, showcasing a rare blend of offensive flair and playmaking vision for a midfielder.
Entering his fourth year on the varsity roster and his third as a starter, Blyth brings a depth of experience that head coach Dan Curran believes will be pivotal for the team’s ambitions.
'Jack is super deserving of the award,' Curran said, emphasizing that the midfielder will be 'the driving force behind our ability to possess the ball, build attacks, and defend' throughout the campaign.
The coach also highlighted the contributions of other top vote‑getters, including sophomore midfielder Chase Stevens from Spaulding High School, who ranked third, senior forward Nate Dillon of Winnacunnet High School in fourth, and senior goalie Ronan Tullis from Dover High School, who rounded out the top five.
What the award means for the upcoming season
Coach Curran’s endorsement suggests that Blyth’s influence will extend beyond statistics; his ability to control possession and dictate tempo could reshape Exeter’s tactical identity.
Teammates and opponents alike will now face a player who has already proven he can impact games in multiple ways, and the preseason accolade may well set the tone for a season where Exeter aims to translate early recognition into tangible success on the field.