Hawks lose 60% of offense to graduation

DONNELLSON – The Central Lee boys' soccer team is looking to build on a year where they just missed playing .500 on the season, but won their opening round of districts for the second year in a row.
The Hawks were eventually eliminated in 2024 by state qualifier West Branch after knocking off WACO in first round action 3-1.
The Hawks return junior Zach Estrada who had 11 shots on goal last year converting three, and senior Reece Hayes in the attack. Hayes had a goal last year on 10 shots. In the middle and on defense the Hawks return senior Drake Weber who started 10 of 11 games last season, junior Colton Taft who played in nine games last season, along with Korbin Wilson and Peter Seyb. Senior Ayden Kent also returns. Kent had five goals on 21 shots on goal.
“We are extremely young this year. We lost five quality seniors last year that will be hard to replace, not only because of their play on the field, but their leadership,” said head Coach Justin Schau.
“We are looking for success in development this year. We will have several new faces getting lots of minutes this year. It’s going to take some time to gain some cohesiveness with this group, but I truly believe it will happen as we begin playing games.” 
Schau said the team will adapt to the players on the field and will stress possession-based soccer. He said the Hawks are often outmatched with regard to skill, but they can rely on other styles of play to mitigate the difference.
“Sometimes we just have to put our work boots on and outwork our opponents,” Schau said.

Schau is also looking to sophomore Max Jones, who is stepping in after just six minutes in the net last season, learning under senior and three-year starter Hunter Gregory.
“Mason Sanders is a sophomore who spent all last season injured and should give us lots of quality minutes. Zach Estrada is a sophomore that played lots of minutes last year, but we'll see him step up and be an anchor in the midfield. "
Central Lee is losing 18 of its 30 goals last year in the graduation of Landan Lowenberg (5), Dante Merschman (4), Landon Crank (8), and Ayden Krehbiel (1). Gregory started all 11 games in the net and tallied 860 minutes with 59 saves against 23 goals allowed.
The Hawks finished sixth in the Southeast Iowa Superconference at 3-5 in the loop, while going 5-6 overall. Mediapolis and Hillcrest Academy were at the top of the conference at 8-2. Danville was 7-3.
Schau said the conference seems to reload year after year.
“Our conference is always tough, seems to be several teams ranked every year. I see Notre Dame having another good year, but after that it’s pretty wide open," he said.
The Hawks open play Tuesday against Centerville’s Big Reds at home. They travel to Fairfield on Thursday.