Boys’ soccer had a promising start to their season. The team has an overall record of 13-3-1 as of Oct. 16, with a 8-0 conference record.

Former coach, Curtis Price, now an administrative intern at Manteo Elementary School, handed the reins of head coach to AVID teacher Ralph Cleaver, who was already experienced in coaching soccer as he was assistant coach in the past.

“Coach Price was a great coach who brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm to our team and that is a hard thing to replace,” said Cleaver.

The team started the season off by playing Bishop Sullivan, a team from Virginia, and lost 3-0. The loss would not get the team down, though. By a loss of only three points to the eighth ranked team in Virginia, the boys created a goal for themselves: improvement.

“Our only losses of the season are to First Flight and to Bishop Sullivan, who only lost to First Flight by a score of 1-0. I expect us to finish the conference undefeated, and to make it to the state championship game,” said Cleaver.

Out of the 22 games the team is set to play, only 12 will be conference games because of the changes in the conference.

“Some non-conference games we like playing because it gives us competition and a chance to improve,” junior Trent Jones said.

Changes in head coach, athletic conference and overall members tried to shake up the team, but with a strong foundation set by Price and a drive for improvement led by Cleaver, the team has a chance for a great season on the road and at home.