The month of September means lots of things where school is related, but to many boys in Harford and Cecil counties, it’s time for another boys high school soccer season. Here’s a look at the three area teams.

Aberdeen

Head coach: Bill Wardle (seventh year)

2009 record: 13-4

Top returners: Rickie Kalama, Sr., (F/M); Chris King, Sr., (M/F); Joel Carter, Sr., (M); Russell Lee, Sr., (D).

Key newcomers: Andy Montgomery, So., (M/F); David Bush, Sr., (GK).

Outlook: “They are an extremely hard working and dedicated group of individuals who provide us with excellent leadership,” said coach Wardle. “The team as a whole has a load of offensive skills and abilities, great work ethic, and positive attitude, but we will see if we still have that willingness to do all the nitty/gritty work defensively that set the tone for us last year.”

Wardle also said, “we strive to always play with passion for the game and never bring any shame to our name. We have an excellent group of student athletes in our men’s soccer program here at AHS that overall are great soccer players but more importantly are even better young men.”

Havre de Grace

Head coach: Sean Smith (fourth year)

2009 record: 6-7

Top returners: Lamar Leonard, Sr., (D); Grant McFarland, Sr., (M); Austin Sylvester, So., (M); Farhan Bachu, So., (M).

Key newcomers: Ryan Bastian, Jr., (D); Jevon Hill-Gee, Jr., (M).

Outlook: The Warriors enter a rebuilding season after having graduated eight of eleven starters from last year’s squad. The mood from the players in the preseason remains positive, however, according to coach Smith. The Warriors will rely on senior leadership from co-captains Leonard and McFarland, while also relying on experienced sophomores who contributed last season including Austin Sylvester, Tyler Sylvester and Bachu. New additions Bastian and Hill-Gee will factor heavily into coach Smith’s plans as the Warriors look to advance farther into the post season this year.

Perryville

Head coach: Russell Penner (third year)

2009 record: 3-8

Top returners: Cody Richardson, Sr., (F); Brady McDaniel, Sr., (M); Joel Heath, Sr., (GK); Josh Semenkow, So., (D).

Key newcomers: Jake Hudson, Fr., (D); Cameron Burns, Fr., (D).

Outlook: “We are a young team this season as we graduated a ton of players during the last two years. In fact, we have a totally different team than we did last year,” said coach Penner. “However, this year’s team is dedicated and willing to do whatever it takes to help the team succeed. While I can’t predict wins and losses, I know that with a team like the one we will field, we are not that far away.

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