In 2016 and 2017, the Center Grove boys soccer team was very much a defensive-oriented outfit, content to grind out 1-0 and 2-0 victories just by choking opposing offenses out.
Entering his senior season, Jackson Neal decided he wanted to help change that.
“I really tended to work on a lot of finishing when the ball was moving, not just setting the ball down and shooting on goal,” he said of his summer training regimen. “I would constantly have a friend out, and they would make crosses in or I would be dribbling and shooting instead of just shooting in place and practicing free kicks like I used to do.”
The results of that work were highly evident. After scoring five goals as a junior, Neal totaled 20 goals and 11 assists this fall, leading an explosive Trojan offense that scored almost twice as often in 2018 as it did a year ago.
For his efforts, Neal is the Daily Journal’s Player of the Year.
Center Grove scored 66 goals in 18 matches, up 30 from its 2017 season total. Neal turned in eight multi-goal games, including a three-goal effort against Perry Meridian in August.
Coach Jameson McLaughlin knew he’d probably have a more offensive minded team this season, and he adjusted his alignment accordingly. But he wasn’t expecting this much of a jump in production.
“I’m still shocked at how many goals he scored,” McLaughlin said. “Twenty goals is a lot for us with the competition we played.”
Neal was the biggest finisher for the Trojans, but by no means the only one.
“There was great chemistry on and off the field, and it really showed in our games,” Neal said of the Trojans’ offense.
Though he previously wasn’t sure he wanted to continue playing soccer after high school, a strong senior year has Neal reconsidering. He’ll spend the winter and spring playing for his club team, Alliance FC, and see what options become available.
“After the season, I think I kind of realized that I’m not ready to be done,” Neal said.
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The 2018 All-Johnson County team for boys soccer:
Owen Atkison, Franklin senior: Led county with 30 goals and 25 assists and finished career with a school-record 94 goals … Second team All-Staet pick who will play at the University of Indianapolis next fall.
Luke Boha, Center Grove senior: First team All-State midfielder was a key presence all over the field for the Trojans … Finished with three goals and nine assists … Will play for Indiana University beginning next year.
Alec Given, Whiteland senior: Anchored a Warrior defense that finished the season with seven shutouts, including a string of five in a row midway through the season.
Griffin Huizinga, Greenwood Christian senior: Racked up 22 goals and 19 assists for sectional champions … Had eight multi-goal games, including a four-goal outburst against Trinity Lutheran.
Aaron McDaniel, Center Grove sophomore: Dynamic forward made an impact in his first full varsity season, scoring eight goals and dishing out 12 assists … Had a pair of three-assist games.
Owen Mahin, Franklin junior: Played a valuable all-around role in the midfield for Grizzly Cubs team that won 10 games … Finished with six goals scored.
Jackson Neal, Center Grove senior: Earned All-District honors after scoring a team-high 20 goals and dishing out 11 assists for the Trojans, who shared the MIC championship.
Colin Parry, Center Grove junior: Helped solidify an inexperienced defense as a holding midfielder but still made contributions at the offensive end, totaling three goals and six assists.
Nick Shirer, Center Grove senior: Tallied 11 goals and six assists for high-powered Trojan offense … Had two-goal games against Pike and Southport.
Shawn Sullivan, Whiteland senior: Scored 29 goals for the Warriors … His 55 career goals are easily the most in school history … An honorable mention All-State pick.
Gabe Vessely, Greenwood Christian junior: Gave up just 14 goals in 18 matches, making 79 saves and posting a 14-3-1 record … Totaled seven shutouts on the way to a second straight sectional title.
Danny Wilson, Greenwood Christian senior: Impacted the game at both ends of the field for sectional champion Cougars … Scored six goals and added 11 assists.
<strong>Honorable mention</strong>
Jon Amador, GCA; Dylan Bastin, Franklin; Jaden Clites, Greenwood; Van Nun Cung, Greenwood; Jack Kovacs, GCA; Cole Mahan, Greenwood; Jair Moreno, Whiteland; Josue Muir, GCA; Yobany Lopez Perez, Franklin; Ethan Pheifer, Franklin; Trevor Pike, Whiteland; Garrett Snyder, Franklin; Dalton Spangler, Whiteland; Josh Williams, Center Grove; Jake Youngstafel, Center Grove
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