August 18, 2017 at 11:34 a.m.
Team preview: RHS boys' soccer
Goals remain the same for Hodags with drop to Division 3
Team preview: RHS boys' soccer
"The conference is one thing, but our vision is a lot higher," Millot said during practice Thursday at the RHS soccer fields. "If we want to get to that next pinnacle of success, we need to improve our game. Every individual player needs to work hard to improve his own technical skills and abilities or knowledge of the game and then it's my job to develop the team chemistry so we play as a unit."
Rhinelander opens the season Tuesday at Ashland, which could be a harbinger of things to come as the Hodags drop down to Division 3 this year for the tournament. Rhinelander has been in Division 2 since the WIAA went to a four-division format in 2013.
"Time will tell," Millot said when asked if the drop to Division 3 will benefit the Hodags. "There are so many good teams in Division 3, some within our own sectional. Are you going up against the Pulaskis and the Marshfields of the world? No. But, at the same time, Ashland's been to state and has won the state tournament. I don't know what they have this year."
Before getting to the playoffs or contending for the conference title, Rhinelander will need to figure out who will carry the load up top.
Rhinelander's offense was potent last year, scoring in all 20 games, but between Millot's son, Gunnar, and Reeve Craig, the Hodags graduated two players who combined for more than half of the team's goals a season ago.
Junior Jonus Sabani returns following an 18-goal, four-assist campaign last fall and will have fellow junior Matthew Von Oepen (8 g, 5 a) as a running mate up top.
"They're going to step up and make things happen," Millot said. "Basically, I believe anyone we put in our top seven is going to have the ability to score and score from 25-to-30 yards out score inside the box. I'm looking forward to some of the creativity we're going to see."
Goalkeeper Josh Randolph and central defenders Joseph Schmitz and Alec Lowry return after anchoring the conference's stingiest defense a season ago. The big question mark comes at outside defender, where the Hodags are looking to replace Easton Senoraske, who Millot last season called the team's best one-on-one defender.
"I'm looking for kids that have the endurance and stamina to run the 120 yards up and down the field, kids who can get into the attack and stay composed when pressure's coming at them," Millot said. "That's a lot to ask. Those defensive backs are going to be two very key positions for us."
Schmitz and Lowry are two of only a handful of seniors on this year's roster, so Millot said it will be imperative for the team's juniors to step up.
In terms of the conference race, Millot said old foes Lakeland and Northland Pines will be the top contenders for the conference crown.
"I think a lot of other schools lost a lot of their key players," he said. "We'll see how they rebuild. I like our chances, but we can't beat ourselves."
Rhinelander will get an early look at Lakeland Aug. 31 in the team's second Great Northern Conference game of the season. But, before that, the Hodags will have plenty of soccer to play next week.
After the Ashland opener, Rhinelander will travel to Stevens Point for a scrimmage Wednesday before playing three games in its home invitationals next Friday and Saturday at the Hanson Lake Soccer Complex.
"Next week is just a busy week for us. No. 1 is we need to get through next week healthy," he said."
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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