Player of the Year: Will Laufer, Free State

One of the most technically skilled midfielders in the state, Laufer scored six goals and was a first-team all-state selection. The Central Arkansas commit led the Firebirds to 11 wins this season, their most since 2009, with his ability to set up his teammates and score from anywhere on the field.

Free State's Will Laufer (18) leaps over a sliding tackle attempt by DeSoto's Travis Hodge during their soccer match Monday night at FSHS.

Coach of the Year: Jesse Smith, De Soto

The Wildcats were runners-up in Class 4-1A, finishing the year with an 18-3 record, the best season in program history. In the state playoffs, DHS beat Kansas City (Kansas) Bishop Ward, Kansas City Piper, KC Christian and Wichita Trinity before losing, 2-1, in the state title game against unbeaten Rose Hill.

First team

Austin Culver, De Soto — A first-team All-Frontier League selection, Culver was a strong center midfielder for the Wildcats. Culver controlled the tempo and possession and finished the season with a team-high 17 assists to go along with 10 goals.

Ebrahim Diagne, Lawrence — When the Lions looked for offense, they turned to their junior attacker. With strong technical skills and plenty of athleticism, Diagne finished second in the Sunflower League with 10 goals. He was a first-team all-league pick.

Ernesto Hodison, Free State — With a young back line, the Firebirds relied on Hodison for his strong defense. The senior was a big reason his team recorded six shutouts and allowed only 20 goals throughout the year with his crafty footwork, leading the team to an 11-6-1 record.

Christian Howe, Mill Valley — Howe frustrated opposing defenses with his speed and strength. The senior midfielder scored four goals and had seven assists. His ability to make runs from anywhere on the field and strong defense earned him second-team all-state honors.

The 2015 Journal-World All-Area Boys Soccer Team, from left: Austin Culver, De Soto; Ebrahim Diagne, Lawrence; Dalton Sieperda, Mill Valley; Tyler Novotney, Tonganoxie; Luke Zoller, De Soto; Piper Hubbell, Lawrence; Christian Howe, Mill Valley; Brendan Owings, Baldwin. Not pictured: Ernesto Hodison, Free State; Player of the Year Will Laufer, Free State; Coach of the Year Jesse Smith, De Soto.

Piper Hubbell, Lawrence — Despite battling injuries throughout the season, Hubbell was a first-team All-Sunflower League selection with his ability to shut down opposing forwards. The senior second-team all-state pick recorded two goals and two assists.

Tyler Novotney, Tonganoxie — The Chieftains’ top playmaker, Novotney scored 23 goals and had 18 assists to lead his team to a 12-5 record. A first-team all-state and All-Kaw Valley League honoree, the senior forward dribbled past defenses with his quickness and strong touch.

Brendan Owings, Baldwin — A Simpson College commit, Owings moved positions throughout the season to help the Bulldogs to a 7-9-1 record. The senior midfielder had eight goals and five assists, earning first-team All-Frontier League honors.

Dalton Sieperda, Mill Valley — Sieperda led the Jaguars with 20 goals and six assists, helping his team to a 12-6 record. The senior forward ran around defenders and was a first-team All-Kaw Valley League selection for the second straight season.

Luke Zoller, De Soto — With strong vision and excellent foot skills, Zoller scored four goals and had four assists. A second-team all-state honoree, Zoller was strong on offense and defense, and he helped the Wildcats to a Frontier League title.

Honorable mention

Jacob Bailey, Baldwin; Chris Cho, Bishop Seabury; Patrick Conroy, Ottawa; Brennan Davies, Lawrence; Andrew Dowdy, De Soto; Keegan Finch, Ottawa; Stefan Foulke, Ottawa; Alex Kroll, Tonganoxie; Noah Lamar, De Soto; Kyle Moose, De Soto; Branden Patterson, Free State; Logan Phillips, Baldwin; Justin Toumberlin, Eudora; Hayden Vomhof, Mill Valley; Logan Williams, Tonganoxie.