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ALPENA – ALPENA — Alpena was represented well in recent honors issued by the Big North Conference and the Michigan Football Coaches Association.

Five Wildcat boys soccer players earned all-conference honors including Joe LaCross who was named to the first team. Owen Kaiser and Reed Leeck earned second-team honors. Lucas Thompson and Jayden Crandall received honorable mentions.

The Alpena High School football team also earned Academic All State Honors from the Michigan Football Coaches Association.

The soccer team had a strong showing, led by LaCross and grew as a team as the season chugged along and now looks forward to building winning momentum next season.

LaCross, a three-year varsity player and team captain, led Alpena in scoring with 27 points including 17 goals and 10 assists earning the golden boot award and the team’s Most Valuable Player.

Leeck, a junior and two-year variety player, scored two goals and recorded one assist. His offensive numbers may not be eye-popping, but his defensive might was critical for the Wildcats and caught the eyes of the MHSAA.

Kaiser, a four-year varsity player, was a team captain and was a leader both on and off the field. He was second on the team in points with 22 and goals and 14 assists.

Thomson, also a team captain, did all the little things that help a team win games but don’t necessarily make it on the score sheet. He excelled, especially later in the season, converting corner kicks and penalties, scoring eight for the season from defensive midfield position.

Crandall, a first-year goalie, stepped up and filled a need for the team and improved his play throughout the year. When the playoffs rolled around, he had become one of the top goalies in the conference. He boasted a 1.9 Goals Against Average, recorded six shutouts and made 87 saves in total.

Although the team finished with a losing record, 11-12-2 overall and 4-7-1 in the conference, coach Ken Dragiewicz said he was proud of how his team grew throughout the season and played as a team instead of a collection of individuals.

He said he had a good blend of talent and experience on the team this past season and he believes the future is bright for Alpena boy’s soccer.

“We had a good blend of sophomores, juniors, and seniors who all contributed,” he said. “I am proud of how the team played, because they played as a team. I can’t wait to see these guys step up next season.”