STARKVILLE — While the Starkville High School boys soccer team has some unfinished business for the 2011-12 season, two Yellow Jackets nailed down their future plans Wednesday afternoon.
Goalkeeper Addison Watson and defender Austin Wileman each signed scholarships to play soccer on the next level. Watson signed with Missouri State University, a Division I school that is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference, while Wileman signed with Itawamba Community College.
“We are really blessed to have both of these young men have this opportunity,” Starkville coach Brian Bennett said. “It is all about hard work, and for this pair the work has definitely paid off.”
While Watson and Wileman finalized their plans for next season, Starkville has one match remaining: The Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A state title match against Pascagoula at 3:30 p.m. Saturday in Clinton.
“I couldn’t have done any of this without my team,” Wileman said. “I am really a team player. I don’t play very well if I am not on a good team. We are one win away from a state championship. That is what has given me the ability to be here.”
Thanks in part to a rock-solid defense, Starkville has rolled through the playoffs with victories against Center Hill (4-0), Oxford (4-2), and Hernando (3-1). Wileman and Watson have played big roles on a defense that closed the regular season with two critical shutouts to win the district title before allowing only three goals in the postseason.
“We really take great pride in our defense,” Watson said. “This year, our team is more balanced. However, we try to set the tone on the defensive end. If we can make all the stops, we know the offense will have some opportunities to score.”
Part of Starkville’s success this season has been the ability score from anywhere on the field. In the Class 5A North State title match against Hernando on Tuesday, the Yellow Jackets broke a 1-1 tie with two second-half goals.
“This year, we have a more well-rounded team and that has led to more success,” Wileman said. “Everybody brings something to the table. We all can score, even on defense. Everybody has the skill to score.”
ICC coach Mike Sullivan is pleased to have Wileman in the fold.
“He has good ball skills and his size is a big plus for us,” said Sullivan, a Starkville High graduate. “We are going to have a really big defensive back line next year, and we expect Austin to step in and be a big part of that.
“At the next level, it is a more physical brand of the game. I think that will be a plus for him and he will able to contribute in that setting.”
With no Division I men’s soccer programs in the state of Mississippi, Watson said he is pleased to get a chance to play for the Bears.
“So many people have helped me get to this point,” Watson said. “I feel fortunate. I enjoyed my visit to their campus. This is a great opportunity for me and I am looking forward to getting started.”
Led by 19th-year coach Jon Leamy, Missouri State (the former Southwest Missouri) is in Springfield, Mo., and finished 9-8-2 this past season. The Bears last made the NCAA tournament in 2009.
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.