Fruitport targets another OK Silver crown after 20-1-1 season

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

FRUITPORT, Mich. — Coming off a 20-1-1 campaign that included a 10-0 run through the OK Silver and a conference-tournament title, Fruitport returns a senior-heavy core and aims to be playing its best soccer in October after last year’s heartbreaker — a regional-final shootout loss to eventual state finalist Forest Hills Northern.

At a glance

• Division: 2

• League: OK Silver

• 2024 finish: 20-1-1; OK Silver regular-season and tournament champions

• Postseason: Lost on penalties in the regional final to Forest Hills Northern

• 2025 goals: Contend for the OK Silver and peak for the state tournament against a deliberately tough schedule

  
  

Key returners

• Jorge Burgos-Yack, Sr., AM — First Team All-State, All-Region, All-District, All-Conference; 18 goals, 9 assists as a junior. Pace, technique and end product make him one of West Michigan’s elite creators.

• Carter Gregor, Sr., W — All-District as a junior; 9 goals, 1 assist. Slashing runner who finishes in space.

• Satchel Norwood, Sr., M — Cerebral distributor and field general; 2 goals, 4 assists.

• Jayden Booker, Sr., DM — Battle-tested ball winner who ignites the counter; 2 goals, 1 assist.

• Nathaniel Cribley, Sr., CB — Returning starter with size, speed and aerial presence; dangerous on set pieces (2 goals, 2 assists).

• Davis Johnson, Sr., D/M — Two-year starter; All-Conference, All-District, All-Region, HM All-State; 8 goals, 4 assists. Physical engine in central areas.

• Ryder Merkins, Sr., M — Track speed and endurance to impact multiple roles; 7 goals, 5 assists.

• Hudson Hazekamp, Jr., M — 6-foot-5 playmaker with range of passing and a shot from distance; 2 goals, 6 assists as a sophomore.

• Jyles Smith, Jr., F — Speedy finisher with a knack for timely goals (4 goals, 1 assist as a sophomore).

• Additional returner: Riley Kanaar.

  
  

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Why they’ll contend

Fruitport’s midfield depth gives the Trojans multiple ways to control games: Burgos-Yack’s line-breaking dribbles and final ball, Norwood’s tempo setting, Booker’s ball-winning, and Merkins’ vertical burst. Cribley anchors a back line built to handle set pieces on both ends, while Johnson’s versatility lets Fruitport toggle between a possession look and a quick-strike counter. With scoring spread across the front and second lines, the Trojans aren’t reliant on a single source.

The path forward

The staff has stacked a demanding schedule by design, expecting it to harden the group for late October. If the defense consolidates early and set-piece production stays high, Fruitport has a clear route to defending its OK Silver titles and making another deep postseason push.

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