BOYS SOCCER

HIGHLAND RAMS

Head coach: Mark Muzzo, 11th season

2016 result: Eliminated in district tournament

Key returners: M Dawson Brake, sr.; D Hunter Anderson, sr.; W Nico Lira, sr.

Key losses: Jon Elizarraras.

2017 outlook: Highland looks to gain its footing by the time the postseason arrives as the Rams are inexperienced and will take time to mesh. Highland coach Mark Muzzo said the team is lacking a go-to player after losing Jon Elizarraras to graduation. But that does not mean one cannot arise, like senior midfielder Dawson Brake, who has impressed Muzzo.

CENTURY DIAMONDBACKS

Head coach: Rocky Rhoads, seventh season

2016 result: Two-and-out at 4A state tournament

Key returners: M Cole Roske, jr., CB Davyn Carter, jr.

Key losses: Brandon Bob, Ethan Garrison, Zac Christensen.

2017 outlook: While young, Century is talented, like always. The Diamondbacks, who have no seniors, are led by juniors Cole Roske and Davyn Carter. Roske is a multifaceted player who can play many positions because of his athleticism and skill level. Carter, a composed and technical player, is a great presence for the Diamondbacks and will start possessions from the back as a defender.

POCATELLO INDIANS

Head coach: George Asboe, 14th season

2016 result: Eliminated in district tournament

Key returners: D Jordon Michaelson, jr.; M Cody Ralphs, jr.; F Alonzo Gaxiola, sr.

Key losses: Jaren Hall, James Giles, Brennan Braegger.

2017 outlook: Pocatello is dealing with the same problem it has had in previous seasons – not enough players with experience in the sport. Pocatello coach George Asboe said 40 percent of the team is playing varsity soccer for the first time, but added his team has good character. “We'll be tough,” Asboe said. “We won't quit. I don't know how experienced we'll look, but we'll play to the last whistle.”

BLACKFOOT BRONCOS

Head coach: Liam Pope, ninth season

2016 result: Lost third-place game at 4A state tournament

Key returners: M Coque Velasquez, sr.; M Sam Reyna, sr.; M Junior Labra, sr; D Jose Martinez, sr.

Key losses: Armondo Perez, Alex Cortez, Michael Fortney.

Outlook: Blackfoot, a 2016 4A state semifinalist, returns to the pitch with Coque Velasquez leading the way. After the 2016 Journal Boys Soccer Player of the Year was a striker for three seasons, he is now in the midfield. The position change allows Velasquez to have the ball at his feet more and makes it more difficult to mark him.

PRESTON INDIANS

Head coach: Kira Matthews, first season

2016 result: Eliminated in district tournament

Key returners: GK Trayson Smith, soph.; F Javin Parker, sr.

Key losses: Austin Larson, Payden Christensen, Kaysen Christensen.

Outlook: Preston welcomes a new head coach in Kira Matthews, who said this year begins a rebuilding process. The program has no limit to how far it can go. Just look at the girls soccer team, which won a state title in 2015. “They have to have a good IQ and know what's going on in the game and read it well,” said Matthews, who added she would like to see her team bring a blue-collar mentality.

AMERICAN FALLS BEAVERS

2016 result: Ttwo-and-out at 3A state tournament

Outlook: No information available.

MARSH VALLEY EAGLES

Head coach: Justin Larson, seventh season

2016 result: Eliminated in district tournament

Key returners: D Mason Thomas, sr.; D Eric Morris, sr.; M Leon Craig, jr.; D Jason Lattimer, soph.

Key losses: Bo Davids, Thor Aagard, Chris Walker.

Outlook: Marsh Valley's attempt to reach a higher plane this season hinges on playing better defense. Marsh Valley's thought process is that the 50-plus goals they scored last year should have been enough to succeed. The general of the defense this season is sophomore Jason Lattimer, who is in the center directing traffic.

SNAKE RIVER PANTHERS

Head coach: Jose Carranza, third season

2016 result: Eliminated in district tournament

Key returners: D Mono Carranza, sr.; F Alfredo Rodriguez, sr.; M Fabian Chacon, sr.

Key losses: Josh Anderson, Francisco Lopez, Vicente Jimenez.

Outlook: Snake River looks to make it to the 3A state tournament for the first time since 2011. Forward Alfredo Rodriguez looks to lead them there. “He's going to be dangerous wherever he plays,” Snake River coach Jose Carranza said. “He's a very aggressive player. … He can carry the team.”

ABERDEEN TIGERS

Head coach: Javier Uribe Jr., second season

2016 result: Eliminated in district tournament

Key returners: G Elias Barrera, soph.; M Mario Guillen, sr.; 

Key losses: Frankie Ramos, Ricky Medel.

Outlook: Aberdeen struggled to stay afloat last year with diminishing numbers and became a co-ed team as a result. But this year, the Tigers expect to have 15 boys on the roster. Aberdeen coach Javier Uribe Jr. said the kids have plenty of potential. Plus, they have good chemistry.