Crestwood returns nine starters and 10 other letter-winners, but the Red Devils have a lot of production to replace in 2023.
If the Red Devils can come close to matching the production from graduated senior Jayden Julian and defender Kenny Stoots, then the potential for a winning season exists.
“I have to replace the (school) record 37 goals scored from Jayden Julian and my defensive back Kenny Stoots,” said second-year head coach Eric Sway, who doubles as the Crestwood girls’ coach. “I have filled both positions nicely and have a player capable of being a 20-goal scorer along with another two players that can score double-digit goals this season. The defensive back is that player that became a starter late last season.”
Crestwood finished 11-8-1 overall and 3-2-1 in the Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division last fall on the way to winning a Division III sectional championship.
While the offense takes shape, Sway will lean on an experienced and talented defensive line to keep the Red Devils competitive.
“With five lettermen starters returning on defense, we will be in almost every game this season after all the experience the team got last year in our run into the district semifinals,” Sway said. “We have to play with heart and continue to stay healthy and fit. If we can accomplish (both), we will be successful.”
Leading the defense are Charlie Schweickert, Hans Seibold, and Drew Pfost.
Schweickert, a senior goalkeeper, was a second-team All-CVC selection after recording 134 saves as a junior.
“Charlie played all but a few minutes of our 20 games last season, and his improvement was impressive,” Sway said. “With the entire defensive line returning in front of him, expectations are Charlie will make fewer saves this season and win more awards. Charlie is hungry to make his final year and season one to remember. I expect Charlie to have some serious college onlookers this season.”
Seibold, a senior defender, earned honorable mention All-CVC honors. Pfost is a junior defender.
“(Seibold) played 1,500 minutes last season in huge games and went up against the best strikers on every team we played. If Hans can stay healthy, he will have a great senior season leading the defense,” Sway said. “Drew played 20 games and 80 minutes of every game at right back last year and could mark the best and fastest forwards we go against. Drew has the ability and mentality to scrap against anyone and the fact he got even bigger and faster in the offseason makes him a lethal defender this season.”
Up top, senior Gavin Dunfee and sophomore Kyle Shelhamer will form a dangerous duo.
Dunfee scored nine goals with seven assists last fall while Shelhamer finished off three goals with eight assists.
“(Dunfee is a) very physical and big as a freight train with ball skills and speed. I expect Gavin to improve on his stats from last year in this his final year,” Sway said. “As a freshman, Kyle had eight assists and scored some goals. He has length and speed. Playing 1,450 minutes last season, Kyle’s game grew to the point he will be a force this season.”
In the midfield, Crestwood boasts first-team All-CVC selection Elijah Jursich, a junior who scored 12 goals with 23 assists on his way to earning honorable mention All-Ohio honors.
“Elijah is driven and capable to follow up last season with an even better season this year,” Sway said. “Expectations are at an all-time high, and with everyone around him coming back, the midfield should be in great form.”
Sophomore A.J. Brock (2 goals) and junior Sam Wright (2 goals) also will play in the midfield.
“The growth of A.J. as a freshman is incredible. A non-starter for half the season cracked the starting lineup mid-season and never looked back. A.J. does the dirty work and he loves his role. He logged 1,200 minutes as a freshman,” Sway said. “(Wright is) a defensive mid and stopper. Sam is one of the most athletic players on the team. His size and speed make him a player that can play any position and with that he will see 80 every game and play multiple positions.”
