Boys' soccer: Teams To Watch

IOWA CITY WEST - The Trojans have 16 seniors, nine of whom will likely be starters, returning from last season's Class 3A state championship team. Striker Tanner Schilling was a second-team Class 3A all-state selection, defender Joe Ryken a first-team all-Mississippi Valley Conference pick, defender Bob Brown a second-teamer. West has been in the 3A title game the past three seasons.

CEDAR RAPIDS KENNEDY - Ranked seventh in the preseason by the Iowa High School Soccer Coaches Association. Cougars return senior Erik Boyer, a second-team all-state pick in Class 3A. Others back are defender Ben Haas and midfielder Phil Vermie, both second-team all-MVC selections.

CEDAR RAPIDS XAVIER - A perennial threat in Class 2A, the Saints lost in last season's state tournament quarterfinals on penalty kicks to eventual champ Spencer. Returning players include first-team all-state midfielder Charlie Bales and second-team all-conference goalkeeper Clayton Lynch. The Iowa High School Soccer Coaches Association has Xavier second to Spencer in preseason 2A rankings.

IOWA CITY REGINA - Defending Class 1A state champion was 21-2 last season. Returnees include first-team all-staters Johnny Rummelhart and Zach Pechous. Rummelhart had the lone goal in Regina's title game win over Council Bluffs St. Albert. The Regals are ranked No. 1 in preseason poll.

CENTER POINT-URBANA - Ranked fifth in 1A in the preseason. Made first state tournament trip last season in 11-6-1 season. Returnees include all-Wamac Conference players Joseph Dighton, Logan Driessen, Brandon Kelty and Zach Kulish.