High Point soccer team plays at a high level

SUSSEX BOROUGH — With a relatively young team taking the field this fall for the High Point High School boys; soccer program, it would have been easy for the Wildcats to lower expectations of what they could accomplish during the 2014 season.

But, the Wildcats chose to take the approach of competing with confidence and sincerity at a high level, giving it all that they had against each and every opponent. The results, not surprisingly, were positive.

Not only did High Point finish the season with a winning overall record of 9-8-3, including a 4-3-1 record in the NJAC Freedom Division, but the Wildcats earned several team and individual honors along the way.

The Wildcats placed second in the Freedom Division, reached the quarterfinal round of the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament and reached the quarterfinal round of the NJSIAA North I Group II sectional tournament.

“A 3-2 overtime loss to Hackettstown [was a memorable game]," High Point coach Kevin Fenlon said. “We were the first team to score two goals against the league favorites. Our first-round NJSIAA Tournament win [over Mahwah] was the first Tournament win in 12 years."

Leadership was at a premium for the Wildcats this year.

“Ben Armstrong — a true captain who led by example even after suffering a injury that prevented participation for 40 days of the season," Fenlon said. “He set up summer practices, provided water, ice, medical kits for his teammates, helped set up and break down fields after session and even did stats. Sawyer Fenlon — recognized as one on the top players in the league and the county. Teamwork and team spirit permeates throughout their actions on and off the field."

A couple of student-athletes truly impressed Fenlon with their work ethic and determination to get better all season long.

“Steve Augustine — most improved player, no quit attitude, willing to take risks and leave his comfort zone to become a more complete player," Fenlon said. “Dylan Watson — the team's ironman, played and practiced through any situation, even blisters. He’s one of the most polite and most mature student athletes that I have had the pleasure to coach."

High Point should once again be a force in 2015.

“We’re graduating only two seniors and eight first year players will be returning," Fenlon said. “A willingness to commit to off season training — weight, speed, spring teams, summer sessions and camps [are all attributes of student-athletes on the Wildcat roster]."

NOTES: Sawyer Fenlon and Jacob Sorensen were first-team All NJAC Freedom Division and first-team All-Sussex County members … Augustine, along with Eric Checkur and Korey Roman earned second-team All NJAC Freedom Division honors … William Frye was named to the Honorable Mention All NJAC Freedom Division … High Point lost, 1-0, to Westwood in the North I Group II quarterfinals.