Meet the 2024 All-Butler County boys soccer team: Seneca Valley’s Tyler Prex named POTY
As a sophomore in 2022, Tyler Prex played sparingly for Seneca Valley’s boys soccer team.
“There were three senior midfielders in front of me, and I came off the bench when one of them needed a break,” he said. “I tried to make an impact when I was on the field, but I knew that I didn’t want to be a role player the next year.”
That determination to improve led to back-to-back superb seasons for Prex. This fall, the senior midfielder scored 20 goals and added 12 assists. He was named All-State and All-WPIAL for the second straight season and has been chosen as the Butler Eagle’s Boys Soccer Player of the Year in back-to-back years.
“His brother (Nathan, 2022 graduate) was a finisher,” SV coach George Williams said. “Tyler is more of a playmaker, but his natural ability allowed him to score a lot of goals.
“He is able to see things on the field one step ahead of other players.”
Prex headlines this year’s All-Butler County team, with first team selections listed alphabetically and honorable mentions.
Zack Angoff, sr., F/M, Mars
Angoff led the team with 12 goals and added seven assists. He was named All-WPIAL after finding ways to contribute in multiple roles. Brought versatility, a tireless work ethic and determination to a team that finished 16-3-4 and reached the WPIAL Class 3A semifinals. Described by Mars coach Chris Knauff as “an invaluable asset to our team.”
Xavier DeWitt, so., M/D, Freeport
Freeport coach Brad Walker referred to him as “our engine for the second straight year.” He led by example and was equally effective on defense as he was on offense, scoring seven goals and adding six assists. DeWitt was voted the team’s Defensive Player of the Year and showed great composure for an underclassman.
Brady Eubanks, jr., M, Seneca Valley
He possesses good size, strength and skill. Eubanks started the season as an attacking midfielder but was moved to a defensive-minded midfielder and was able to lock down that area of the field. SV coach George Williams said the position switch “made a huge difference and led us to being a stronger team.” Eubanks scored one goal, had seven assists and was named All-WPIAL.
Zach Garma, sr., F, Seneca Valley
Moved from midfielder to forward this season and provided valuable scoring support to teammate Tyler Prex, scoring seven goals and contributing five assists. His move to the wing ignited many scoring opportunities for the Raiders. Garma earned All-WPIAL honors.
Justin Garvey, jr., F, North Catholic
Paced the Trojans in scoring for the second consecutive year with his 22 goals and five assists. His ability to threaten an opponent’s back line proved key to North’s play at both ends of the field.
Max Kovacik, sr., F, Slippery Rock
With the Rockets needing a big scoring threat, Kovacik moved from midfielder to forward and increased his goal production from 11 markers as a junior to 25 this year. He was double- and sometimes triple-teamed by opposing defenses this season.
Arthur Mendonca, so., M, North Catholic
North coach Scott Schlegel said of Mendonca’s ability: “His ball skills, vision and anticipation make him key in the build-up and final third phases of the attack.” He scored 21 goals and dished out seven assists, leading the team in points for the second straight year.
Cam Osterman, sr., D, Mars
He helped anchor Mars’ defense with a keen ability to read the game and consistently shut down opposing attacks. Osterman possesses leadership traits and composure under pressure, both proving key to the team’s 16-win season.
Angelo Porco, sr., F, Freeport
Porco drew much attention from opposing defenses game after game and still produced 23 goals and eight assists. He played in the Western Pa. Soccer Coaches Association All-Star Game and hopes to play at the collegiate level.
Mason Sherwin, sr., D, Karns City
He was a steady and reliable player on an otherwise inexperienced back line. Sherwin created opportunities when given the chance to push forward, scoring a pair of goals and adding two assists. His alertness kept five shots from turning into goals.
Eli Stasiowski, jr., G, Mars
Stasiowski allowed just nine goals in 18 regular season games and posted a shutout in 13 out of the Planets’ 23 games overall. His exceptional shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the box were vital to the team’s defensive effort.
Angelo Amelio, jr., F, North Catholic; Mason Bell, jr., F, Karns City; Josh Book, sr., G, Slippery Rock; Logan Coone, jr., M, Mars; Austin English, jr., D, North Catholic; Austin Friedline, jr., F, Knoch; Brody Kennedy, jr., M, North Catholic; Zach Lasko, so., M, Slippery Rock; Drew Schedlbauer, sr., G, North Catholic; Thomas Sheptak, sr., F, Butler; Landon Stevenson, sr., D, Butler; Ryan Sutara, jr., M, Freeport
