Cactus Shadows believe stronger competition will lead to better postseason results
MARC BUCKHOUT ~MANAGING EDITOR ~ 12/7/2011

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The Cactus Shadows Falcons won’t be able to hang a region championship banner in the gym at the end of the season.
That’s okay with veteran coach Tony Voss, who led the Falcons to their 11th straight region title during a 15-3-1 season, which ended in the state semifinals.
This year, with the AIA’s new realignment, which saw regions become a thing of the past, Voss said he would certainly trade a region banner for a state title banner.
“Two years ago we went to the quarters, last year it was the semis,” Voss said. “We want to take the final step. I think we have very comparable talent to either of those teams and we have a core of 10 seniors that have a lot of experience.”
Despite losing in a shootout to highly touted Chaparral in Friday’s season opener, following a scoreless regulation and overtime, the Falcons coach said his team has the potential to be a strong offensive squad.
Jacob Donovan, who missed the early part of last season, but hit the ground running upon getting healthy, will be one of the team’s leaders offensively. The senior will be joined up front by the likes of sophomores Nick Hammer and Nick Jackson providing speed, ball skills and scoring punch along with Dylan Hartman.
Graduation hit the midfield hardest, but while the names playing there are different Voss said he said the current crop will be just fine.
“It will be our usual possession style, but attractive soccer,” he said. “We’ve got the ability to score, but we have to cash in when we get those golden opportunities.”
Defensively the Falcons return, Jake Berry, in net. The coach said he has a lot of confidence not only in his 6-foot-4 keeper, but also defenseman Jonah Vittorio and newcomer Sean Reither, a transfer from Ohio.
“We might have to rely on pure talent early in the season while we find a good attacking rhythm, but I’ve seen positive things from this group already,” he said. “I like the chemistry.”
Voss said he’s willing to potentially sacrifice regular season wins, playing against stouter competition this season, to be more prepared for postseason play.
The Falcons played at Arcadia on Tuesday night (results unavailable at press time). Their next match is at 6 p.m., Monday against Goldwater.