The 2017 Journal-World All-Area boys soccer team, from left, Jens Ahlen, Tonganoxie; Isaiah Frese, Tonganoxie; Bowan Jones, Tonganoxie; Zeb Huseman, Tonganoxie; Coach of the Year Jon Orndorff, Tonganoxie; Player of the Year Charlie Newsome, Free State; Nick Howard, Free State; Evan McHenry, Bishop Seabury; Cole Shupert, Lawrence; Ben Matthews, Lawrence; Blayne Chapman, Baldwin; and Jon Bock, Eudora.

Player of the Year: Charlie Newsome, Free State

One of the most dynamic midfielders in the Sunflower League with a mix of speed and vision, Newsome led the Firebirds’ offense with 13 goals, nearly half of the team’s season total. The senior was named second-team all-state, leading Free State to a 7-8-2 record.

Coach of the Year: Jon Orndorff, Tonganoxie

The Chieftains won a regional title for the second consecutive season with postseason wins over Eudora and Maranatha Christian. In Orndorff’s first season, Tonganoxie finished the year with a 16-1-2 record.

First team

Jens Ahlen, Tonganoxie — Playing center forward, the senior was key to the Chieftains’ offense with 24 goals and six assists. Ahlen received first team all-state honors in Class 4-1A as he used his technical skills to create plenty of scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Blayne Chapman, Baldwin — Chapman was named first-team all-Frontier League by using his speed and versatility to his advantage, playing all over the field. The senior scored three goals to lead the Bulldogs to a 7-10 record.

Jon Bock, Eudora — A talented midfielder, Bock received second-team all-state honors with his his elite speed and strong technical skills. Leading the Cardinals to five wins, the senior scored a goal in the season opener to set the tone for the rest of the year.

Isaiah Frese, Tonganoxie — Known for his quick speed, Frese was a tough matchup for opponents in one-on-one situations. The senior forward produced 22 goals and 11 assists with strong crosses and a talent for finding the back post on his way to all-state honors.

Nick Howard, Free State — Howard was instrumental in stopping counterattacks as the Firebirds’ defensive holding midfielder. Rarely taking any time off the field, the senior was one of the major reasons Free State held five opponents without a goal.

Zeb Huseman, Tonganoxie — Earning first-team all-state honors, the senior provided strong back-line defense to contribute to five shutout victories. Clearing the ball by winning one-on-one battles, Huseman helped the Chieftains match a school record with 16 wins this season.

Bowan Jones, Tonganoxie — A strong player on offense and defense, Jones controlled the midfield. The senior recorded seven goals and 11 assists, including the game-winning score in the Chieftains’ regional final. Jones received second-team all-state recognition.

Ben Matthews, Lawrence — A defensive-minded senior, Matthews was used all over the field for the Lions throughout the season, from forward to defense. He received second-team all-Sunflower League honors after scoring four goals and helping his team to five victories.

Evan McHenry, Bishop Seabury — Only a freshman, McHenry proved himself one of the Seahawks’ most consistent scorers with 15 goals. With a knack for finding ways to score in the closing minutes of games, McHenry helped his team to a 7-7 record.

Cole Shupert, Lawrence — Shupert doesn’t stand out with his statistics, two goals and four assists, but he controlled the midfield and frustrated opponents. The junior midfielder consistently made strong tackles, forcing opposing teams to go elsewhere with passes.

Honorable mention

Chandler Caldwell, Tonganoxie; Freddy Comparato, Bishop Seabury; Cameron Elphick, Baldwin; Quentin Harrington, Lawrence; Phillip Pyle, Eudora; Sam Six, Free State; Gage Sommer, Tonganoxie; Tommy Warden, Bishop Seabury.