Gallery by Heather Belcher
The last time that the Beckley boy’s soccer team hoisted the state championship trophy was 2010 when the Flying Eagles bested Wheeling Park 1-0.
Has the time come for Beckley to once again stand alone on championship Saturday?
The clear answer is only time will tell, but excitement is high in the City of Champions because the Flying Eagles are popping at the seams with talented players.
“Right now the team to beat is in Fairlea. Greenbrier East won the (state championship) title (last year) and they have earned that right,” Beckley head coach Steve Laraba said. “We are certainly going to do our best to mimic their success though. I think shooting to make the state tournament and win a state title is realistic.”
A good portion of the expectation for the current group of Flying Eagles can be tied to the continued statewide success of Legacy FC which includes several Beckley players on its rosters.
“There are quite of few kids that play for Legacy Football Club and a couple that play for West Virginia Futbol Club,” Laraba said. “I think it helps in giving them some belief to be able to make some things happen in the postseason. It helps them understand that it’s out there and something that can be achieved. Also having some success against some of the larger clubs in the state helps breed some belief in them.”
Along with the belief that they can be successful comes a solid bond as teammates.
“I like the team atmosphere,” Laraba said. “They are all very supportive of each other. They seem to be very excited to come out and play together and represent their school. It is really positive right now.”
Anchored by one of the biggest senior classes the program has seen in a while, Beckley has a strong mix of 18 upperclassmen and 18 players in the lower two grades. The veteran Beckley coach has thirty-six kids that can all be threats on the pitch.
“I have a very good freshman and sophomore class that is going to ask some questions. Some of (the upperclassmen) are going to have to come up with some answers,” Laraba said. “Then it will be how will the underclassmen respond to those answers. The bigger, faster, stronger will come into the decisions, but some of the technical and tactical ability is also relative.”
One of the key positions that will Beckley will need to fill for the 2023 season will be between the posts.
“We are looking really good there right now. We have four goalkeepers that are working really hard,” Laraba said. “They are training well together and pushing each other. They are holding each other accountable, but also being very supportive with all of it. It’s not going to be an easy decision, but it is also a good thing.”
The theme of multiple players capable of playing in different areas is one that will play out all across the pitch for Beckley, but Laraba will be looking for huge contributions and leadership from some of his veterans.
“Aiden (Bell) and Cooper Bell will be very big for us as four-year starters. They have seen a lot and they will be big pieces for us in the midfield,” Laraba said.
Tyler Randolph has lurked in the shadows of some great players the last few seasons, but this year will be his time to control the play along the back line.
“He is also a four-year starter and has played next to back-to-back first team all-state center-backs. He doesn’t shine as much as I think he should in regards to recognition,” Laraba said. “He has been an extremely good defender and makes lots of good choices and decisions. Two years ago he played beside my son Evan and last year he was beside Connor Mollohan. Those were big figures and big personalities. Tyler has been a leader for us, but I think he is now ready to step up and take that main role.”
In the attacking third of the field, the Flying Eagles will launch a bevy of weapons at opposing defenses.
“For many years, we have at least one player that can score and be consistently a 20-goal scorer,” Laraba said. “Last year we didn’t have that. We had multiple players in double digits, but we never got that one go-to guy.”
“More than likely we are going to be scoring goals by committee. There may be somebody once we get in some games that turns out to be that guy,” Laraba continued. “Right now, my true hope is, when teams game-plan for Beckley soccer, they can’t say there is one guy we have to keep the ball from. Hopefully it will be multiple players they have to keep the ball from.”
Although Beckley has the players to make a state title run, getting through Region 3 in Class AAA is always tough. Since 2010, the state champion has come from Region 3 eight times including three of the last four titles.
“If we are fortunate enough to get through our section, the region isn’t easy. It had been a very long time since (George Washington) had not been in Beckley the first week in November,” Laraba said. “I am sure they are chomping at the bit and we know it is going to be a tough road to travel.”
Beckley will open the season at Fairmont Senior on Aug. 17 before welcoming Morgantown two days later to Paul Cline Stadium. The Flying Eagles will also host Class AAA runner-up Spring Mills during the regular season.
“Getting as many quality opponents as we can helps quite a bit, so we can be battle tested,” Laraba said. “Come early October, hopefully we can be ready to go.”
