The Athens Drive High School men’s varsity soccer team is picking up the pace this year in an attempt to win a conference championship, with their new coach and new players they are making a name for themselves in the soccer community with previous Fuquay-Varina High School, coach Jeff Nelson.

Last year’s team had a 6-6 win-loss record around the same time this year’s team has a 4 win 6 loss season. This year’s team is trying its best to match last years record.

“I think this year we’re gonna go all the way to be honest,” said Ben Williams, senior varsity player. “We’re gonna go full beast mode due to our mohawks that make us run faster.”

Speed is a fundamental part of soccer. In the Jaguars’ game against Fuquay, the team scored three goals in the first half of the game and in their game against Heritage, they scored four times in the second half. This year the players are working hard to increase foot skills, speed and shooting techniques.

“This year we have a new coach and he’s definitely a major part of the team, he keeps up positive and in good shape,” said Williams.

Coach Nelson was previously the head coach at Fuquay-Varina High School, which means if he brings the same techniques to Athens this years team should do fine due to the fact that Fuquay had an 11-win season last year.