Season Preview
Head coach Matt Jernigan is entering his 17th season at the helm of the Lebanon soccer program, a tenure marked by steady development and a focus on continuity. This year’s squad centers on returning key players while addressing the void left by the graduation of a senior class that included the team’s previous top goal scorer.
Nine players who started last season are back, giving the team a solid foundation of experience. Among them, senior forward AJ Brown looks to build on his eight‑goal junior campaign and add even more firepower to the attack.
Another senior forward, Trent Penner, returns after a year away from the pitch and is being counted on as a primary scoring option. His reintegration adds depth to an offense that must replace the departed senior striker.
Midfield stability comes from senior Tyler Jones, who has been a leader for several years, and junior Jacob Moler, whose defensive control helps dictate the team’s tempo. Both are expected to anchor the middle of the park.
Speed and endurance make senior Jereson Ross a breakout candidate, while sophomore Linkin Darnell, who impressed as a freshman, will contribute both as a midfielder and a scorer.
Defensive leadership will be provided by sophomore Aiden Hanson, who steps up after the graduation of Curtis Fraizer, and fellow sophomore Teytem Barber, whose aggressive style complements Hanson’s leadership.
Ryan Hodges, a senior returning from injury, will shift to an outside back role, and Tony White, also a senior with extensive JV experience, is expected to make a meaningful varsity impact.
In goal, Evan King returns for his junior season after starting at the end of last year, bringing continuity and confidence between the posts.
Coach Jernigan emphasizes the team’s character and coachability as strengths that will drive growth and competitiveness throughout the campaign.
The season officially begins with participation in the Marshfield Tournament on August 28‑29, where the squad hopes to showcase its progress and set a positive tone for the months ahead.