Boerne's Blake Smith (23) works the ball upfield during a scrimmage with Clark. Photos by Mike Reeder

With only three seniors on the squad, three freshmen in the starting lineup and their former all-state goalkeeper lost to graduation, you might think Boerne boys’ soccer coach David Rogers would be low-balling expectations for the 2008 season. If so, you would be dead wrong.

Instead, Rogers, who coached the Greyhounds to a state championship in his first year on the job in 2006, is aiming as high as ever. He’s also making sure his players get the message.

“I do not like losing,” he told his team between scrimmages at Greyhound Field on Jan.3. “You guys don’t like losing.  Boerne’s tradition is that we win. We claim we’re the best program in the San Antonio area, or one of the elite, so let’s make sure we back it up.”

Based on the way the Greyhounds are rolling through their scrimmage matches, Rogers’ players are taking their coach’s message to heart.  Boerne’s early victims include East Central, Smithson Valley and Saint Anthony’s. The only setback was a 1-0 loss in the annual alumni game last week, and that one may have involved some respect for one’s elders. The alumni scored the game’s only goal on a penalty kick with about five minutes to play, with what Rogers says was an assist from the current squad.

Boerne goalkeeper Tim Martinez has some big shoes to fill this year following the graduation of all-state keeper Denver Williams.

That one gift aside, Boerne has been as stingy giving up goals as when State Championship Series MVP Denver Williams was patrolling the net. Rogers says keeper Tim Martinez has worked hard to fill the big shoes Williams left behind.

“We’re not missing a beat right now,” Rogers said. “I never thought I’d say those words after losing Denver Williams.  It’s just a tribute to how hard Tim worked over the summer.”

Rogers is equally impressed with the play of his newcomers. “I’ve never had a freshman start for me before, so to have three starting and one coming off the bench is very impressive,” Rogers said.

While young, the Hounds are not without experienced players. Senior starters Baylen Smith and Jacob Knettel and junior Blake Smith were all on the 2006 state championship team. Ryan New, the only other senior, will see quality time off the bench. Returning lettermen Gatlin Traub has led the Hounds in scoring so far in the early scrimmages.