Wayne Christian's White, Anderson receive all-conference accolades

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on October 22, 2015 1:48 PM

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Before their season opener Aug. 13 in the inaugural Charger Cup, the Wayne Christian varsity boys' soccer team got together at head coach Daryl Anderson's house.

They talked about forming a "brotherhood" this fall.

That fellowship got tested during a one-month period.

The Eagles struggled to find consistency and team chemistry on the pitch. The result was an 0-11-0 start that included eight shutout losses and three one-goal defeats.

"You could see frustration from everybody," senior keeper Mason White said. "We had team meetings before every game and coach would pretty much tell us 'it's do or die right now'.

Anderson's challenge lit the fire under his team.

Wayne Christian logged a 3-3-0 worksheet during its final six outings and took Neuse Christian to the wire in opening-round play of the season-ending CCC tournament.

"(It was) a lot of teamwork and trusting other players on the field, not doing it by ourselves," said Jaxon Anderson of the team's late-season charge that produced more suitable -- but still heart-breaking endings.

Anderson, a sophomore center midfielder/striker, served as the field general on both offense and defense. He collected six goals and dished out four assists.

White didn't start in goal when the Eagles kicked off their season against archrival Wayne Country Day in the Charger Cup. But coach Anderson put him in goal during the second half of that game, and White never returned to the field.

The senior notched 121 saves in 1,100-plus minutes between the pipes.

The efforts from each player drew considerable attention from their fellow CCC peers and led to all-conference recognition.

"I was kind of surprised that I got it," Jaxon said. "I was thinking somebody else would get it like Micah O'Hara. His defense is pretty awesome."

White seemed overwhelmed as well.

"It's going to be tough leaving these guys ... seeing how they bonded as a team," White said. "I guess it was kind of like a payment for working hard this year and it was good to know that other coaches had seen mine and Jaxon's hard work.

"After being awarded this, I told the guys that hard work and determination would get you there."