CHARGER CUP: Wayne Country Day faces stern tests

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on August 10, 2016 1:48 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

Those who observed Wayne Country Day's soccer team in 2015 saw a group of gritty, determined and gifted players who enjoyed an unforgettable -- and historical season -- on the pitch.

The Chargers could duplicate that feat in 2016.

Eight starters return for WCDS, which launches its season Thursday as the reigning N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association state 1-A champion in the second annual Charger Cup.

WCDS faces Cape Fear Academy on day one.

Kickoff is 5:30 p.m.

Hickory Christian and Parrott Academy play the opener at 3:30 p.m.

The four teams will play a three-day, round-robin competition to determine the Cup champion. Hickory won the Cup a year ago and advanced to the semifinals of the NCISAA 1-A playoffs.

"The teams we have playing in the Cup will give us good competition across the board," Chargers head coach Steve Ellis said. "All of the teams did well during conference play last year in their respective conferences. The Hickory Christian game is the one we're looking forward to the most as they won the state title two seasons ago, and beat us last year in the Cup."

Ellis put his team on the field 10 days ago.

The group has done some fitness work to acclimate themselves to the normal hot, humid weather associated with mid-August. Their preparations have included ball station drills and Ellis has stressed the importance of bonding as a group -- especially with the loss of a talented senior class.

Younger players who saw some time on the pitch will battle for starting spots. Ellis will depend on the experience of senior captain Noah Adkins, who will control the midfield.

Also back are Hayes Gerrard, Jack Talton, Luis Lopez, John Thompson, striker Ben Cohen and Hunter Bryson. That group may rotate at times with younger players again this season.

The Chargers' goals during the Cup?

"I mentioned the Hickory Christian game and with them being the only 1-A team in the tournament, getting a positive result against them will help us come seeding time," Ellis said. "Other than that, (I want a) positive performance, (a) positive attitude and teamwork."

The Cup launches a stretch of seven consecutive home games in a 21-day period for WCDS. That includes the Coastal Plains Independent 1-A Conference opener Oct. 1 against league nemesis Greenfield.

"The lads realize that having won the state title last year gives them a target on their backs," Ellis said. "The team chemistry and understanding, like last year, is important. No player is more important than the team as a whole."

Just look back at 2015.