THOMASVILLE – The Thomas County Central boys soccer team will look very different than last year’s squad. The Yellow Jackets lost 10 seniors to graduation and another two players who are unable to compete this year. However, head coach Tony Voyles feels that despite their youth, this Central team has an opportunity to be very competitive.

“We will probably be young this year as a whole, but I still think we’re going to have a lot of talent,” Voyles said. “It’s a little hard to judge because we’re going to have a good bit more new players in the program, but I still think we’re going to give teams fits and I think we can beat any team in the region and make a run at that region championship again.”

The Yellow Jackets boys soccer program also just got a massive influx of talent. This year, Central has 19 freshmen joining the program with six to eight expected to play on the varsity squad. Last season only one freshman played varsity.

“This is the biggest class that I’ve ever had come in as a coach,” Voyles said. “So, I’m going to be interested to see how this plays out with them this year as well as over the next three or four years to see how they develop and where they end up. This is going to be a special group I think that comes through here.”

When asked how having such a young team will affect his coaching, Voyles said he doesn’t expect his coaching to change, but expects to have to teach more, making sure his new players understand the Yellow Jackets system and how they practice.

“This year there is going to be a little bit more of a build to the process,” said Voyles. “We may take a few hits early in the season because we’re figuring things out, but I really think this team has some opportunity to be very good this year.”

Central will face the Packers at Colquitt County on February 14 for their season opener.