Jackson Christian Eyes Another Strong Run in 2025
- Jonathan Turner
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
Jackson Christian Eyes Another Strong Run in 2025
Jackson Christian High School enters the 2025 season looking to build on last year’s impressive campaign that saw the Royals finish 16-4-1, claim co-champion honors in the Independent Soccer League alongside Hillsdale Academy, and capture a district championship before falling 1-0 to Royal Oak Shrine in the regional semifinal.
Despite graduating some key contributors, head coach and staff are confident in a deep and experienced roster that returns much of the team’s core. The Royals believe their rigorous schedule — among the toughest in Division 4 last season — has prepared them for another postseason push.
“We expect to be strong again this year,” the program noted. “We lost some valuable pieces last year, but a large part of the team is returning and will be older and more experienced. The newcomers are talented and will hopefully contribute right away. We are taking the same approach with a challenging schedule and will look to push the group every time we step on the field.”
Key Returners
Drew Barney, Jr., Attacking Midfielder – First Team All-State and All-Conference selection in 2024, the Royals’ creative playmaker.
Wale Bazengaw, Sr., Midfielder – All-Conference honoree, central presence in midfield.
Jayden Schnitkey, So., Midfielder – All-Conference selection, young but impactful.
Nate Locke, Sr., Midfielder – Senior leadership in the middle of the pitch.
Damian Orcasitas, Jr., Forward – Expected to add attacking punch.
Aiden Earnst, Sr., Defender – Veteran presence in the back line.
Wyatt Lammon, Sr., Defender – Experienced defensive anchor.
Caleb Lanham, Sr., Defender – Another key part of the Royals’ back line.
Anderson Jacobs, Sr., Midfielder – Senior depth and versatility in the midfield.
Outlook
With a blend of seasoned seniors, a standout junior core, and emerging underclassmen, Jackson Christian has the tools to defend its league title, make another postseason run, and compete among the top programs in Division 4. The Royals’ commitment to playing a difficult schedule should once again pay dividends as the season progresses.
Last fall, Imlay City captured a first-place league finish, climbed as high as No. 3 in the state rankings, and advanced to the Division 3 regional semifinal before fa
lling to Flint Powers, the No. 2-ranked team in Michigan.
The Spartans return a strong group of players, led by senior forward Xavier Galiana, goalkeeper Max Galeana, and defender Giovani Franco. Other key contributors include attackers Benino Barragan and Giovani Barragan, along with forwards Juan Hernandez and Damian Leon anchoring the defensive line. Ethan Everthart also adds depth and experience to the backfield.
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