NTL BOYS SOCCER: ATHENS' ARNOLD, LANE NAMED CO-PLAYERS OF YEAR, LEAGUE'S ALL-STATE SELECTIONS (2019-11-18)

ATHENS - Athens senior Luke Arnold and Aaron Lane were named co-Players of the Year, and the NTL's all-state selections in recent voting by the league's coaches.

Athens senior David Scheftic was voted co-Defensive Player of the Year, and longtime Athens coach Jake Lezak was named Coach of the Year, while eight Wildcats were honored with all-star selection - six to the first team, and two to the second - and two received honorable-mention recognition.

Possessing speed, tremendous foot skills, a sky-high soccer IQ and a strong leg, Arnold scored 18 goals and doled out a team-high 17 assists.

Fast and very athletic, Lane led the Wildcats with 27 goals and was second on the team with 14 assists.

Ultra-athletic and a team leader, Scheftic was a major cog in an Athens defense that allowed just nine goals in a 15-4 campaign, including 10 consecutive shutouts.

Lezak guided the Wildcats to another unbeaten season in league play, and back to its fourth consecutive appearance in the District 4, Class AAA championship game.

FIRST TEAM
Luke Arnold, senior, midfield: See above.

Aaron Lane, senior, forward: See above.

Joel Maslin, senior, goalkeeper: Athletic and aggressive, Maslin allowed just six goals in 16 games this season. He pitched 10 shutouts in a row this season.

David Scheftic, senior, defense: See above.

Jesse Sumner, senior, midfield: Fast, hard-working, and possessing great foot skills and a very high soccer IQ, Sumner plays the game with an attitude. He was second on the team with 18 goals and third with 10 assists.

Doug Vosburg, senior, defense: Very fast and a fiery competitor, Vosburg was a key defender for the Wildcats. He had two assists.

SECOND TEAM
Matt Nowacoski, senior, defense: Another key defender for the Wildcats, Nowacoski had three assists this season.

Alex Rowe, senior, midfield: A fast and heady player, Rowe contributed three goals and nine assists this season.

Honorable Mention
Ben Gambrell, junior, midfield: Possessing sprinter's speed and great leaping ability, Gambrell had two two goals and two assists.

Nate Quinn, sophomore, defense: A versatile player with a strong grasp of the game, Quinn had one goal and three assists this season.

"”"”"”"”"”"”

IN PHOTO: Athens seniors Luke Arnold (left) and Aaron Lane.