With the start of the new year, both the boys and girls varsity soccer teams are looking for a fresh start heading into the 2013-2014 season.

At the end of last year’s season, the two teams ranked fourth in District 5-5A. With an earlier start, the Lady Jags won one game, tied once, and lost this past weekend at the National Elite Prep Showcase, NEPS. Although the record may not show it, head coach Trina Hamner said this team looks promising.

“I feel it would not be completely right to judge from the NEPS results, only because we had key starters out each game and a lot missing during the fourth game,” Hamner said. “However, there were some players that really stepped up for the team over the course of those four games, and I look forward to seeing what else they bring in district.”

On the other hand, the varsity boys soccer team begin their season on January 14 at Keller Central. Although head coach David Doyle believes this will be one of the better teams in recent years, he worries that they may be unseasoned.

“We’re an experienced team at the back and through the midfield, but in the front we’re kind of inexperienced,” Doyle said. “We’re young, so if we can get someone to score goals for us, that will help us a great deal. I think up front we need to have a bit of luck around the goal.”

Last year, Coppell’s boys team, a district opponent, won the 5A State Championship, adding more pressure to the young Jaguars.

“Every team in our district is good,” Doyle said. “It’s always voted the hardest soccer district in the state. You can’t take a night off. Even though four out of the six teams go to the playoffs. If you slip up it’s hard to get back.”

The varsity girls team from Marcus ranked first in District 5-5A with an impressive 23-4-1 record. The senior packed roster may also have trouble competing against Hebron, who was ranked second, last season.

“Hebron and Marcus are always our toughest games in district,” Hamner said. “Coppell is also a good competitor, and LHS has been rapidly improving. It is safe to say we have to take one game at a time.”

The Lady Jags will play again from January 23-25 in the Georgetown Governor’s Cup.