The stadium went up in an uproar, with that final whistle the championship belonged to the boys varsity team.

The boys varsity team kicked off their season by winning the Davis Blue Devils tournament on Dec. 1-2.

“This team will be very competitive. Overall our team will be young, but the team’s skill level is high and our players are experienced.” Head Coach Antonio Sutton said. “The rainy winter season is tough, as it greatly impacts our home field. With large bumps and little grass,” Coach Sutton is coming into his second season and knows the conditions of the Rio fields are a main factor in games, “it will make it difficult to display our team’s exceptional quality on a consistent basis. However if we become familiar with those areas I think we will be able to manage and have a successful season.”

The weighing problem with the season switching to winter, which started last year, is the weather and how it affects the already poor field.

Last year the team had to cancel practices throughout the season and even postponed games due to the poor quality of the field. This year the fields are in worse condition, that will display a whole new challenge for the program.

“This year we have a young but very talented team that can change the culture of Rio soccer, with technical play and fast passing. I think we have a good shot a winning our league and competing will in the section playoffs. As the captain, I’m excited to lead our team through a great season,” said Senior Dylan Huft who is a defensive specialist and captain of this years team.

Since the switch to winter there is now the opportunity to advance farther into the playoffs with chance at a section title and state title.

“I feel that the team this year will be very good because of the quality of the coaches and players within the program. What I think will lead us to success is being able to play as a team instead of individuals” said Senior Ewan Smith, who plays midfield and has excelled in the boy’s soccer program for three years now.

The team has started their preseason with winning the Davis tournament and playing several divisions one schools.

With many returning players and some new faces who are contributing as best they can, the players are trying their best to fit into to the coaches tactics and formation.

Coach Sutton and Craig Huft, who is the assistant coach, pulled the team to the second round of playoffs last year and topped the league. This season is a new challenge and a new start.

“I think the defense needs to be as strong as it was last year, also we need to score more goals this year,” said Senior Jon Sampo who played forward on last years team and looks to play midfield and forward this year. “We should be winning games five or six to zero.”

Last year, the team only got scored on four times in league play over ten games, that was the best record in the league. This year they look to do the same with returning defensive masterminds Cameron Smith, Dylan Huft and Jacob Osecheck holding the defense together.