Don't Sleep on the Dolphins
Ocean Lakes senior Ryan Levis is a four year varsity soccer player and one of the team's captains. The central midfielder knew that last season was not the Dolphin's best, but he was shocked that this year's team was so overlooked.
"I figured we would be low in the rankings, but when I opened the paper and saw we ranked last in the pre-season (district) rankings, it was almost funny. All I could do was laugh."
Last season went about as disappointing as one could go; the team finished in a tie for eighth in the district, but lost a coin flip to determine which team would receive the final play-off berth.
Going into the season, Levis had simple expectations:
"Hopefully we come out knowing we can play with anybody in the district."
It only took a handful of games for the Dolphins to prove that point. Wins over Western Branch and Great Bridge served notice, and against top ranked First Colonial, a Levis goal actually gave Ocean Lakes a 1-0 lead before two second half goals gave the Patriots the win.
Still, by winning three of their first four games and gaining a newfound respect, the Dolphins are poised to play the underdog role all season.
Senior striker Josh Moore will look to provide the majority of the scoring. Two sophomores that played on last season's undefeated J.V. team, midfielder Taylor Brittan and Devin Pierce have provided a spark to the offense.
The other senior co-captains are midfielders Danny Peirce and Jonathan Dozier, and keeper Brent Jones. Anchoring the defense are senior stopper T.J. Wootton and sweeper Michael Yates.
Coach Don Hart feels like his team has a great shot a making some noise come tourney time:
"After seeing the pre-season polls, we were looking to show people we could play and gain some respect. I think we can finish in the top four in the Beach (District), and a get a good placement in the tournament which will be held at Ocean Lakes."
