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<p>There is chance that new guys move to town and that players transfer to different teams. But this is my Way Too Early 2026 Preseason Rankings. </p>
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<p><strong>1.</strong> I am going to go ahead and predict that the Palo Verde Panthers will be ready for another LVLA Championship run next year. Although they lost seniors Benn Carvalho, Langston Goodwin, Asher Starita, Gavin Tucker Robbie Pruitt, Clay Ohlsen and Chris Whitman,. I believe their sophomores and juniors are prepared to step. On offense they will still have a good number of their main guys from last season, including: Parker Nielson, Ricky Jameis, Seth Salinas, Mason Robinson, Luke Rava and Slater Salinas. On the other end of the field, Jojo Aragon will still be commanding the defense. In front of him will likely be Nick Lakdhari (SSDM), Carter Jost, Jace Mims, and potentially a guy from the JV this past season's squad like Ian Toto. I also believe that Brandon Freitag is going to start at the X. In addition to their already loaded starting lineup, they will be bringing up other guys from their JV team whose season record was 15-2. If they can all continue to develop and build cohesion in the offseason, this team could be scary good.</p>
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<p><strong>2.</strong> Coming in at number two is the Coronado Cougars. They return their leading goal scorers, Jay Koa Hernandez, Scotty Lennox, Henry Pack and [player_tooltip player_id='127435' first='Andrew' last='Viloria']. They will also likely have Brody Rasmusson, Ari Pack, and Bo Pippenger in their starting lineup. With all of the skill and athleticism they have, it's hard to imagine them not being a dangerous offense in 2025. On defense, they should have DJ Rogers, Euan Driscoll, and Karson Kuhar as starters. All guys who played big minutes this past season, and they should be able to player at an even higher level in 2026. The big question mark for the Cougars will be the goalie position. Freshman Anthony Taylor only picked up the sport just recently, but he has proven himself a bit. He helped the Cougars take down the Crusaders back in March when AJ Landy was out. As long as he dedicates himself to the position, I can see him having more success. His frame helps him take away angles and he also looks to have the strength to make long distance passes. In order for this squad to reach the top, they will need to learn to win close games next year. However they seem more than capable.</p>
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<p><strong>3.</strong> Figuring out who to put at #3 was tough, but I think I'll have to give it to Faith Lutheran. The Crusaders also have a ton of returning talent. At attack, the likely starters will be Weston Schultz, Joey Marmor, and the third spot is up for grabs. But could go to Ashton Bittner if they decide not to use him at middie. Their starting midfield line may end up including: Liam Shultz, Nate Robbins, and Charlie Matthews. They all have some quickness to them, which should allow them to be both facilitators and scorers. [player_tooltip player_id='125267' first='Hudson' last='Pavicich'] is returning as well, and figures to keep his starting LSM spot. However Faith Lutheran did use him at D a bit this past season due to other guys getting injured. Their defense should also have Parker Hunt and Chase Garcia back, both starters this past year. Then they will have Daniel Auon in net again, but underclassmen Pierce Isani and Jett Piercy may make a push for the job or partial playing time. Overall, their squad looks skilled on paper. They'll just need to put in the work this offseason and stay healthy. Especially if they hope to walk away with the LVLA title.</p>
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<p><strong>4.</strong> Bishop Gorman is in the #4 spot due to departures. All-American goalie, Aden Anderson, is off to Manhattan University and standout attackman, Ben Urso, is off to Concordia University, while super sophomore, Diesel Riiber, is set to transfer. 3 huge losses, and replacing their leadership and production won't be easy. Guys who may be up for the task though are [player_tooltip player_id='124923' first='Ryan' last='Cambeiro'], Colton Segler, [player_tooltip player_id='124875' first='Xander' last='Iway'], and Merek Mastrov and Beau LaVoie. In 2026, both Segler and Cambeiro may need to initiate more and they'll need to perform at a high level just about every game. [player_tooltip player_id='124875' first='Xander' last='Iway'] was dominant at times throughout the 2025 season, and he may end up being biggest difference maker on this team in terms of time of possession. Mastrov and LaVoie should be able to hold down the fort on defense. But with a different goalie in net, I expect they'll need to become even more vocal to keep things organized. Speaking of the goalie position, Mason Wingard (2028) seems like the most likely guy to taking over. He picked up the position back in 6th grade and has steadily improved every year. Assuming he keeps getting better, the Gaels may have their goalie of the future. </p>
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<p><strong>5.</strong> The Pirates are my #5 team right now. I am a fan of some of the freshman and sophomores that they have like goalie, Ryland Peterson, and attackman, Mason Mclay. Peterson is bound to help keep them in games, and it will be Mclay's responsibility to get the offense going. In addition to those two guys, I also believe that some of their upperclassmen will possibly assist in securing a few more wins for the Pirates. Attackmen, Anderson Kelmanson and Ashton Duncombe are both going to be seniors and they should be able to do more scoring next season. Then there is is Grayson Fines at the X, who will also have more experience under his belt. On defense, the Pirates will need Kian Rowe, Collin Davis, and Aiden Bentley to bring their A game on a regular basis. Hopefully they can also get a few 2029's to pitch in, as they will definitely need subs who can contribute on both ends. </p>
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<p><strong>6.</strong> The Centennial Bulldogs land at #6. They will need to find new starters at just about every position. [player_tooltip player_id='125067' first='Tyson' last='Vickers'] was at attack this past season, which is his natural position. But the Bulldogs may need to move him to the midfield to possess the ball more. The Bulldogs should also have Chance Ackley as a starting middie. He is a dynamic two way player who will be asked to score and defend the opposing team's stronger offensive players. The Bulldogs will therefore need to find few more weapons to compete plus a new goalie. Potential candidates to help get the job done on offense are Mace Farr and Dax Peterson. Greyson Greigo is the next goalie in line, and he will need to mature at a fast rate to be prepared for the faster shots at the varsity level. It could be a rebuild year for them, but time will tell. </p>
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There is chance that new guys move to town and that players transfer to different teams. But this is my Way Too Early 2026 Preseason Rankings.
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