Wylie East junior Xavier Fletes and the Raiders will look to build off a strong 2025 season and contend for a playoff berth. Photo by Oladipo Awowale / C&S Media
By David Wolman
Wylie
Head coach: Scott Dillon
Last season: 13-5-3 (lost to Rockwall, bi-district)
After missing the playoffs for nine consecutive seasons, Wylie has reestablished itself with back-to-back postseason appearances, including a district championship two years ago.
Despite key graduation losses, the Pirates return 16 varsity players and have embraced a businesslike approach as they pursue a third straight playoff berth, Dillon said.
One major departure is midfielder Osato Enabulele, the District 9-6A Defensive Player of the Year and district MVP last season. However, the remainder of the midfield returns, including two-time District 9-6A Offensive Player of the Year Logan Montgomery and senior Zach Alshali.
Alshali, seniors Diego Garcia, Sebastian Sanchez, Talan Weston and junior Carson Black are expected to contribute offensively, along with varsity newcomers Edil Medina, Aiden Brisnehan and Luke Montgomery.
Garcia and senior Gabriel Reyez return to anchor the defensive line.
In goal, Wylie carries three options, with senior Baldo Nunez-Jimenez and junior Bailey Owens returning. Freshman Christiano Reyna is also competing for the starting role.
Wylie East
Head coach: Chay Brown
Last season: 10-9-1
Wylie East produced one of the biggest turnarounds in District 9-6A last season, doubling its district win total from four to eight.
Although the Raiders narrowly missed the playoffs, optimism remains high for a team that returns seven starters, six of whom are seniors.
Senior Elijah Thompson returns as one of the district’s top goalkeepers. Defensively, the Raiders bring back senior defenders Kennedy Mpezeni and Ethan Henderson Varela, junior Max Kim and senior midfielder/defender Garrison Bal. All are returning varsity letter winners.
Wylie East will also rely on varsity newcomers Angel Lopez (senior) and juniors Jeovani Darquea, Jacob Steiner, Lucas Montero and Isaiah Hicks to add depth on the back line.
Midfield depth is a strength, with seven players returning varsity experience, including Bal, Kim, seniors Diego Perez, Marcos Ortiz, Mohammad Meher and midfielders/forwards Dylan Falay and Joel Gonzalez.
Falay and Gonzalez are expected to lead the scoring attack, with additional contributions from juniors Jacob Hicks and McLean Chaney and senior Shiven Solanki.
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