Vikings aim to be contender in division

After finishing with a 1-16 record last year, the Vernon Township High School boys soccer team is looking to improve in all aspects of the sport this year.

“Our goals for the season are to compete for a championship in the (NJAC) Colonial Division, advance a couple of rounds in the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament and win a state playoff game,’’ head coach Joseph Jones said.

The Vikings will open their season at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4 against North Warren at home. Then they are scheduled to host Kittatinny at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6 and Wallkill Valley at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8.

Among the key returning players are seniors Ethan Jones (goal keeper, 173 saves in 2024), Robert Burdzy (midfield, two goals in 2024), Mason Heilmann (back) and Ty Mountain (back); junior Robert Vazquez (midfield, one goal and three assists in 2024); and sophomores Kaden Gibson (forward, three goals in 2024) and Marcus Arias (back).

Promising newcomers include junior Ruben Ardila (forward) and freshmen Thomas Obrotka (midfield) and Drew Mountain (midfield).

The team captains are Ethan Jones, Ty Mountain, Burdzy and Heilmann.

“As the only four seniors, these gentlemen will look to show leadership both on and off the field this year,” the coach said. “They will set an example on the field through their hard work and dedication to the program as well as their academic performance and decorum in the community.’’

The Vikings move from the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference Freedom Division last year to the NJAC Colonial Division along with Kittatinny, Hopatcong, Lenape Valley, North Warren and Sussex Tech.

“I view us as a contender in the Colonial Division,’’ Jones said. “I think the Colonial Division will be wide open this year.

“North Warren, Lenape Valley and Kittattinny are all well-coached, talented and play hard year after year. Hopatcong was much improved last year and will likely continue that trend, and Sussex Tech is always a pesky team that could upset you.’’