QHS soccer team wants to be in position to use home-field advantage in postseason

QUINCY — Could history repeat itself?

Nine years ago — the last time the Quincy High School boys soccer team hosted a Class 3A regional — the Blue Devils knocked off top-seeded Collinsville 1-0 in the regional title game, a victory that catapulted them to a state runner-up finish.

This season, the Blue Devils finally get to host a regional again. With a team bolstered by the return of seven seniors and a solid corps of midfielders, this might be the year Quincy avoids an early postseason exit. The Blue Devils haven’t won a regional title since 2016 and haven’t played in a regional championship game since 2018.

“There’s a lot to be said for having home-field advantage,” Quincy coach Ron Bridal said. “I think it’s something our kids are really excited about.”

The same can be said for creating their own legacy.

The Blue Devils have won 29 Western Big 6 Conference championships, but last year’s 6-1 league record left them alone in second place. Getting back to the top of the heap is a priority because it can be the springboard to bigger things.

“They hear the stories, whether we talk about the 2015 team or us talking about many of the other teams that had success, some of which our current coaching staff played on,” Bridal said. “It’s time for them to step up and take charge of their own destiny. It’s good to see that rich history of success, but at the same time, these guys are ready and they are hungry to do something themselves.”

It explains why the competition for positions has been heated.

Start in the midifeld. Senior center midfielder Andrew Brown is the anchor as a four-year varsity letterwinner and a threat to score and create. He is capable of being the Blue Devils’ next all-state candidate, and his leadership is invaluable.

Adrian Sommers, another senior with starting experience, is expected to flank Brown with a pair of seniors — Cooper Dinkheller and Aidan Albert — as part of the midfield rotation.

“The thing that sets us apart right now is our senior leadership,” Bridal said. “I think the maturity and experience we have returning says a lot about the team we have and our program.”

Up top, it’s a similar story with four players — Trace Routh, Logan Epping, Campbell Reekie and Austin Mondon — vying for playing time.

“Those guys are ready to prove why they’re in there,” Bridal said. “We have competitors. We have guys competing for each position. That says a lot about where we’re at. To have competition on a daily basis is something that will hopefully allow us to get to where we need to be.”

Defensively, the Blue Devils have experience on the wings with seniors Nico Hetzler and Justin  Dreyer, while a pair of juniors — Bennett Soltwedel and Reed Mast — take over as the starting center backs in their first full seasons on varsity.

“They are not novices to that position. It’s the spot they’ve played many games with our junior varsity,” Bridal said. They have to learn the speed of the varsity game is just a little bit faster. They’ve done a super job in the preseason.”

Two seniors are vying to be the starting goalkeeper and could end up sharing time as Lance Venvertloh and Gadden Mutter both continue to do things well.

“They both have had great summers and great preseasons,” Bridal said. “We’re fortunate there is competition for that position as well.”

The depth it creates is needed. The Blue Devils open their season Wednesday night at Jacksonville and then face three St. Louis teams this weekend as part of the QND tournament.

“It’s exciting to see right off the bat where we’re at,” Bridal said. “Sometimes there’s nothing that prepares you for battle other than digging in and getting tested.”