West Branch is ready for another shot at River Valley Conference’s historical boys’ soccer powers

WEST BRANCH — Across the Iowa high school boys’ soccer landscape, it’s hard to argue there’s a league more competitive than the River Valley Conference.

The RVC is home to the top three teams in this week’s IHSAA Class 1A rankings — No. 1 Iowa City Regina, No. 2 West Branch and No. 3 West Liberty.

All three qualified for the boys’ state tournament in 2023. All three are undefeated in conference play.

While these teams share many similarities in terms of recent accomplishments, one distinction separates West Branch historically — it has yet to claim victory against the Regals or the Comets.

“West Liberty we play every year, and we always get beat by one,” said West Branch Coach Ted Miller, noting the Bears’ varsity program was born in 2018. “We’ve only played Regina once.”

Consider these tasks among the top priorities on the Bears’ 2024 season to-do list.

“Hopefully, the team will come in those days and be ready to play,” Miller said. “They’re both really good teams; I'm actually excited to play them. To be the best, you have to beat the best.”

To “beat the best,” they’ll have to do it on the road.

West Branch (7-0, 4-0 RVC) will travel to Regina on May 6 and West Liberty on May 10 in its regular-season finale. Tough challenges, but Miller’s team certainly has the firepower to pull off big wins.

West Branch’s high-octane offense was on full display Monday night at Butch Pedersen Field (Little Rose Bowl) in a 9-0 rout of Clinton Prince of Prince (2-4).

Christian Scire scored four goals, Trenton Schutte had two and leading scorer Joe Hamann, Bradyn Sexton and Reese Gingerich each had one.

“I think offensively, we’re really good,” Hamann said. “We have a great connection with one another, and it makes communication easy, even without talking. It’s instinctive. We know what everyone’s going to do because we’ve played together for so long.”

West Branch returned its top five scorers from last year’s state tournament roster; three are seniors.

“The experience helps tremendously,” Miller said. “They get along so well, too. They have so much fun on the field, in practices, on bus rides. It’s such a plus.”

Chemistry helps. An abundance of talent doesn’t hurt, either.

“Having a deep bench makes a big difference as well,” Miller said. “We have quite a few subs that I can put in the game and not have to worry about losing much.”

The Bears will need all these factors working in their favor to accomplish their season-long goals of not only taking down Regina and West Liberty, but doing damage at state.

“Let’s go all the way with it,” Hamann said. “Last year, we made our first state appearance in the soccer program history. I want to make it further this year.”