By Teddy Rydquist

Leader Staff Writer

Not necessarily reflected in their 10-10 record, the Oxford Wildcat boys’ soccer team outscored their opponents, 52-29, throughout the course of play this season. Featuring a high-powered offensive attack, the Wildcats tallied at least five goals in six different games.

Concluding their season on Oct. 17 by narrowly falling to Grand Blanc in the district finals, six Oxford players received postseason recognition from the Michigan High School Athletic Association on Nov. 12.

Classmates in the 2021 class, Marco Artero and Zach Townsend were both named to the All-State team. Tying for second on the club, Artero netted nine goals, including two in the victory over Swartz Creek in the opening round of district play on Oct. 15.

One of the Oakland Activities Association’s top players, Townsend led the team with 22 goals – more than double the next closest player. Posting multiple goals in five games, he found the back of the net five times in the team’s 7-0 win over Warren Mott on Aug. 23.

Also starring on the school’s basketball team, Townsend is the younger brother of senior Trey Townsend, a recent Oakland University basketball commit.

Three other Wildcats, junior goaltender Tristan Bennett and seniors Colin DeRoso and Nick Morawski, joined the two on the All-District team.

His third-year minding the net for Oxford, Bennett posted three in shutouts in the season’s first five games and wrapped up the regular season against Almont with his fourth.

Two of seven players set to graduate this year for head coach John Thaler, DeRoso and Morawski combined for 10 goals. Rarely coming off the field for the Wildcats, Morawski spearheaded the 9-1 rout of Swartz Creek with four goals.

The final player to receive additional recognition, junior Rory Vince was named to the All-League team.