Byron Nelson’s overall athletic program is in a period where it is accomplishing a lot of firsts.
For soccer, Howard Putter’s boys program is in line to do what hasn’t been done: win a district championship. The Bobcats (18-4-3, 6-1-1 in District 11-4A) went through the bye week for spring break like everybody else. However, they need a win at Birdville on Monday night to wrap up the first in school history. The game was played after the print deadline.“That’s something that’s important,” Putter said. “We know it would mean a lot for everyone connected to the program and the school.”Nelson went through a couple of workouts last week. Putter kept the intensity a bit low, but he wanted to keep some of the skills sharp. Actually, that turned out to be a good idea, because this team has been fighting the flu throughout the season.What’s made this group diverse and capable of making a deep run in the state playoffs is its diversity of scoring. Putter has six players who have scored at least five goals. The leaders are Jalen Jones with 11 and junior Devin Porter with nine.The good thing for the Bobcats is that they don’t have to rely on one person to carry the scoring load, so he doesn’t also draw the majority of the defensive attention. Junior midfielder Ryan Danban has also been an offensive force.“It’s always good to have a player up front who is money,” Putter said. “But each and every week we have guys who can step up for us and contribute. They are just finding ways to win. They’re figuring that out, because last year we weren’t doing that.”Odd scoring punchIn his years coaching in North Texas, Putter hasn’t had that one player who can carry the scoring load. He doesn’t mind spreading the opportunities.However, he has scoring production coming from the back line. Junior defender Brett Powell has eight goals. How does that work?Well, Putter gives him the freedom to move up the field when he wins a ball. Plus, Powell has been very opportunistic on corner kick situations. And he has also scored his share of game-changing goals.“Last year, he was a pretty good as a sophomore doing this role,” Putter said. “But he’s more confident and even more experienced. He has found a way to pick his spots. Plus, he’s a quiet kid, and I think people tend to underestimate him.”Briefly …Nelson could finish no worse than second in District 11-4A. So Putter has started looking at potential bi-district opponents coming out of 12-4A. That district includes Aledo and the Saginaw schools. The playoffs start next Monday. If Nelson finishes first, it would likely play Saginaw. If it finishes second, the Bobcats could likely play Mineral Wells.Northwest updateOn March 11, the Northwest boys played to a 1-1 tie against Keller Timber Creek. Coach Brett Beeson’s Texans (5-13-3, 2-7-3) are out of the playoff race in District 4-5A but can still finish strong. They played Richland on Tuesday and complete the season Friday against Keller Central. Keep in mind this program won district games for the first time in three years.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
