The 2020 Lebanon High School boys’ soccer team took the definition of re-writing the record books to a whole new level.
Here is a list of records that were broken: Most wins in a single season (17, tied for first), individual single-season goals (41), team goals in a season (81), least goals allowed since 2002 (41), first time beating Rolla and Waynesville, highest Ozark Conference finish (3rd), first time being the No. 1 seed in districts, first district championship in school history, and first playoff appearance in school history.
“This has been a special year for us,” head coach Matt Jernigan said. “Our guys showed why they are considered one of the best teams ever to come through Lebanon soccer. Not only was this team successful on the field, but they are quality guys off the field. One of my most proud moments wasn't the district championship or winning games, but it was when we went to eat at Lambert's during the Parkview Tournament. As we were leaving, one of the works stopped me and told me that this was one of the most respectful and well-behaved groups she had ever had.
“That just shows the character of the guys that played for us this year. They were good soccer players as the records show, but just awesome young men as well.”
Players on the team racked up postseason honors with the following awards: All-District (First team: Zach Richards, Luis Vazquez, Cameron Fisher, Quinton Doughty, and Ryder Rhoades. Second team: Evan Rogers, Angel Pedroza, Austin Westerlund, and Austin Barber. Player of the Year: Zach Richards, Offensive Player of the Year: Luiz Vasquez, Coach of the Year: Matt Jernigan). All-Ozark Conference (First team: Zach Richards and Luis Vasquez. Second team: Quinton Doughty and Cameron Fisher. Honorable mention: Ryder Rhoades and Angel Pedroza. Co-Offensive Player of the Year: Zach Richards). All-Region (Zach Richards, Luis Vasquez, Cameron Fisher). All-State (First team: Zach Richards).
For the complete story, please see the Weekend Edition.
