FBHS Boys Soccer Holds Tryouts for 2025-2026

Allison Weslie, Staff Writer
December 4, 2026

Flour Bluff High School opened its soccer tryouts this week, running from Monday, December 1st through Wednesday, December 3rd after school, as the Hornets prepare for what promises to be an exciting 2025-26 season under new leadership.

New Era Begins Under Coach Johnson

The program enters a new chapter this year with Craig Johnson taking over as varsity head coach, filling the position left vacant when former head coach Bob Chapman departed to pursue an administrative role. Johnson has been assistant coach for 7 years and inherits a program with high expectations and a roster eager to prove themselves on the field.

Working alongside Johnson is assistant coach Joshua Savins, who is entering his third year teaching at the Bluff and second year with the soccer program. Having transitioned from club soccer coaching, Savins brings valuable experience and a player-development mindset to the coaching staff.

"The environment at the Bluff is great," Savins said. "It's my first time being a high school coach. I coached club soccer previously, but I like the environment, the school environment, teaching these guys to be student athletes—students first, athletes second. It's inspiring being able to work with these young adults as they move on to the next stage."

The coaching duo's emphasis on building strong student-athletes, both on and off the field, reflects the program's commitment to developing well-rounded young men who understand that success in the classroom is just as important as success on the pitch.

Out-of-State Talents Raise Competition Level

Reese Kass watching as teammates Rory price and Luis Maleoun fight Carrol for the ball. Photo by: Allison Weslie

This year's roster features several new additions from across the country and even internationally, bringing diverse playing experiences and elevated competition to the program.

Junior Rory Pierce, who recently relocated from Washington state, noticed an immediate difference in the intensity level at Flour Bluff. When asked about the competitiveness compared to his previous school, Pierce didn't hesitate: "Here definitely, it's higher stakes and a lot more pressure, a lot better competition and y'all take soccer seriously here."

Pierce's assessment speaks to the competitive culture that the Hornets have cultivated, one that demands excellence and pushes players to elevate their game day in and day out.

Senior Reese Kass made the move from Kansas City, Missouri, and is ready to make an impact in his final high school season. While he noted the competition level is comparable to what he experienced in Kansas City—a city known for its strong youth soccer programs—Kass brings experience from a competitive soccer environment that should benefit the Hornets.

"I'm looking forward to winning and getting as high as we can in state and kind of bonding with all my teammates," Kass said. He also praised goalkeeper Jesus as one of the team's unsung heroes, noting his quiet leadership and solid performance between the posts. "I think a lot of underrated people would be the goalie, Jesus. I really respect him because he's really quiet, but he's good when he needs to be."

Resse's recognition of his teammates' contributions reflects the selfless mentality that championship teams are built upon, where players appreciate and acknowledge the work of those around them.

International Influence Adds Global Perspective

The program has also attracted international talent this season, with foreign exchange students bringing a global flavor to the Hornets' lineup. Gonzalo Ruiz from Spain and sophomore Joos Otten from Germany have both joined the team, offering different playing styles and perspectives shaped by their soccer experiences abroad.

Ruiz has quickly integrated into the team culture and shares the ambitious outlook that seems to define this year's squad. His confidence in the team's potential is evident when discussing the season ahead.

"We have really good chemistry with the team, the team is really nice, they are really good players," Ruiz said. "I think our main accomplishment we have to do as a team is trying to get to the state championship and I think we can get it."

For Gonzalo, the transition to American high school soccer and life at Flour Bluff has been smooth. "I'm from Spain, and I really like the Bluff as I have met a lot of people and it's really nice," he said.

Joos Otten, who is experiencing his first soccer season in Texas, is embracing both life at the Bluff and the warmer South Texas climate—a stark contrast to German weather. "I like Flour Bluff pretty good because the people here are cool and I like the weather over here, it's pretty warm," he said with a smile.

His optimism about the team's potential mirrors that of his teammates. "I think I did pretty well, and I think all of our teams are pretty well. I'm looking forward to having a great season here with the soccer boys, and hopefully we get far in the playoffs."

The addition of international players not only strengthens the roster but also enriches the team culture, exposing local players to different approaches to the game and fostering an environment of learning and growth.

Upperclassmen Set Tone with Team-First Mentality

Senior returners Trey Nicholes,Kyle Barganski, and Connor Cox, who are expected to anchor the varsity squad this season, spoke highly of the team's cohesion and camaraderie. In a sport where chemistry and communication are crucial, the Hornets appear to have found a winning formula off the field that should translate to success on it.

"Our chemistry is really great throughout the team, we have no arguments, everything is smooth," Cox said.

“I think we have a good team this year, we all have good chemistry and it will be a fun season.” Barganski added on.

Looking toward the future of the program, Cox identified sophomore Brooklyn Garcia as a rising talent who will help carry the Hornets forward after the current senior class graduates. This recognition of younger talent demonstrates the upperclassmen's investment in building a sustainable program that can compete at a high level for years to come.

Coach Quiroz talks to #10 Isaiah Cintron, #29 Kyle Barganski, and #13 Isaiah Tweneboah. During halftime with Coach Savins at the Carol gameto re-assess the game plan. Photo by: Allison Weslie

Like his teammates, Trey Nichols has his sights set on a deep playoff run: "I'm looking forward to a far run in playoffs, I believe this could be our year for State."

Junior Arturo “Grayson” Alfaro, who played on JV last year and earned a call-up to varsity for playoffs, exemplifies the strong bonds forming within the program. His experience getting that taste of varsity soccer late in the season has only fueled his motivation heading into this year's tryouts.

"Chemistry is great. I just love all the guys I play with, all the guys I get to spend my time with, especially Connor Cox. He's just such a great person," Alfaro said. While he's hopeful about earning a full-time varsity spot this season, he maintains a team-first attitude regardless of where he lands. "I hope I make it on varsity, but I wouldn't mind being on JV."

That attitude—putting the team's needs above personal ambitions—is exactly what coaches look for in players and what builds championship cultures.

Fresh Faces Look to Make Their Mark this Season

The program is also seeing fresh faces eager to prove themselves and earn their place in the Hornets' soccer tradition. Freshman Jason Poses, trying out for the first time, played primarily in the middle and on the wing during the three-day tryout period, focusing on providing support to his teammates and showcasing his versatility.

While realistic about the challenges of making varsity as a freshman, Jason expressed both hope and determination. "I would hope to make varsity. I know it's not going to happen, but I'll try my best on the JV if I do make it."

His approach reflects the understanding that development takes time and that earning playing time at any level is an opportunity to grow as a player. For freshmen like Jason, the chance to learn from experienced players and develop under Coach Johnson and Coach Savins could lay the foundation for successful high school careers.

State Championship Dreams Unite Revamped Roster

As Coach Johnson begins his tenure as head coach and the roster takes shape, the common thread throughout the program is clear: the Hornets are setting their sights on a state championship run. From the coaching staff's emphasis on developing complete student-athletes to the players' expressions of confidence in their team's potential, Flour Bluff soccer appears poised for a competitive season.

The combination of experienced returners like Connor Cox and Trey Nichols, talented newcomers from competitive programs across the country, international players bringing global perspectives, and hungry freshmen looking to prove themselves creates a roster with depth and versatility. The chemistry that players consistently mentioned in interviews suggests a team that genuinely enjoys playing together—a crucial ingredient in any successful season.

With tryouts now complete, Coach Johnson and Coach Savins will finalize rosters in the coming days, making the difficult decisions about varsity and JV placements. Regardless of where individual players land, the collective goal remains the same: bring a state championship to Flour Bluff High School.

As the 2025-26 season approaches, the Hornets soccer program stands at an exciting crossroads—new leadership, fresh talent, and championship aspirations converging to create what could be a truly memorable season on the pitch.

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