The Gilmer High Bobcats and Lady Cats are looking to get back into the state soccer playoffs. GHS just missed out on the postseason last year when both squads finished fifth in the region.
For the Lady Cats, their 11 wins in 2024 was a program best. Three seniors coach Adam Palmer is looking to depend on are returning starters Yennifer Lopez at striker, midfielder Sophia Lykins and goalkeeper Amayah Jones.
Lopez set a school record as a junior when she netted 27 goals. Providing much of that service to Lopez was Lykins, who is a strong midfield presence. Jones is back to play goalkeeper, and has been a fearless net minder during her time at GHS.
“Every training session we emphasize that, ‘You can always control your effort,’” Palmer noted. “No matter our situations, we know in our hearts if we are all in and ready to work hard. There is no substitution for hard work and honesty with oneself when preparing to compete.
“My goals for this season are to fight for a spot in the state playoffs and continue to build a strong culture and respect for girls soccer in Gilmer County.”
Preseason preparation kicked off at the end of October with conditioning three days per week. Palmer noted all players are enrolled in weight training to improve strength and athleticism, and the majority of the roster has participated in other sports at GHS. Many have also taken the field with club level soccer teams, according to Palmer.
“(We’re) working as a team to capitalize on the areas we can improve upon and control in practice, while rising above those circumstances we can’t control,” Palmer said. “(We want to) develop and promote grit, personal awareness and accountability, all necessary traits needed to be successful on the field, in the classroom and within the local community.”
With the recent reclassification and changes that followed, GHS will take on a new set of region opponents this season.
“I expect our region opponents to all be strong competition and will plan and prepare with the same rigor as nonregion opponents,” Palmer said. “Being this is the first year in a new region, many of the teams we will play for the first time.”
The Bobcats bring back plenty of experienced players all throughout the field. At the top of their 4-4-2 formation are returning strikers Brayner Ortiz and Liam Engle.
The Bobcat scoring tandem will be bolstered by more experience in the midfield. Head coach Taylor Johnstone expects Jorge Flores, Keby Puac, Alex Tercero and Angel Garcia to be some of the top returning players in that spot.
Goalkeeper Talyn Curtis returns for his fourth year as a varsity starter, and he boasts plenty of experience in net.
“We have competed a lot in a variety of ways. Individual and team runs and relays, even tic-tac-toe,” said Johnstone.
“We’ll base out of a 4-4-2 this year. We will continue to be a physical team, but are hoping to continue to improve our buildup and possession. Our team goal is to be one of the best teams in the region. This has grown to be an expectation here. This year, I believe we have a great chance at achieving this.”
Johnstone expects Gilmer to be one of the region teams vying for a state playoff spot. He mentioned perennial power Northwest Whitfield as the team to beat, and he believes GHS, Calhoun and Adairsville will determine the remaining three berths.
GHS opened its season Monday evening versus Murray County.