GAMES
RANKINGS
The reigning UIL-6A State Champs, Prosper Eagles, will aim to go back-to-back this Winter
THE ECHELON: VYPE DFW 2024 Preseason Soccer Rankings; Prosper, Flower Mound, Wakeland begin on top
It's almost that time of year again.
As the Fall season reaches its closing stages, we're now making our way back to the pitch as teams prepare to make another run for Georgetown.
Regarding the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the city featured several boys programs that reached the State level this past April -- namely Flower Mound, Wakeland, and Midlothian, with the latter ultimately claiming a championship.
While those squads are primed for a return to Birkelbach Field, the likes of Prosper, Mesquite, Keller, Walnut Grove, and Panther Creek (4A) are just some of the names who will look to throw their hat in the ring.
On the girls' side, Prosper and Wakeland took the State crown last Winter, in Class 6A and 5A, respectively, with Colleyville Heritage (5A) coming in a close second.
Given the targets on their backs, there's going to be plenty of resistance -- from teams such as Flower Mound, Southlake Carroll, FM Marcus, Wylie East, and Hebron -- in their mission to go back-to-back.
With the first kick-off rapidly approaching, these are the most elite squads, in our view, for DFW audiences to be aware of entering 2025.
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VYPE DFW BOYS PRESEASON TOP-10 (Class 6A-4A)
*Last section indicates 2024 result (W-L-T)
1. Flower Mound Jaguars (6A) -- 23-3-2 (UIL-6A State Runner-Ups)
2. Prosper Eagles (6A) -- 20-4-1 (Regional Semifinalists)
3. Wakeland Wolverines (5A) -- 19-6-3 (UIL-5A State Runner-Ups)
4. Midlothian Panthers (5A) -- 25-2-3 (UIL-5A State Champions)
5. Mesquite Skeeters (6A) -- 15-4-3 (Area Finalists)
6. Keller Indians (6A) -- 15-3-4 (Area Finalists)
7. Walnut Grove Wildcats (5A) -- 16-3-5 (Regional Quarterfinalists)
8. Allen Eagles (6A) -- 20-4 (Regional Quarterfinalists)
9. Panther Creek Panthers (4A) -- 18-9 (Region III-4A Finalists)
10. Grand Prairie Gophers (6A) -- 15-3-4 (Bi-District Finalists)
Honorable Mentions:
6A -- Coppell, Duncanville, Mesquite Horn, Dallas Skyline, Lake Highlands, Rockwall, Wylie
5A -- Denton Ryan, West Mesquite, McKinney North, Denton, Highland Park, Fossil Ridge
4A -- Diamond Hill-Jarvis, Lake Dallas, Castleberry, North Dallas
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VYPE DFW GIRLS PRESEASON TOP-10 (Class 6A-4A)
1. Prosper Eagles (6A) -- 26-2-2 (UIL-6A State Champions)
2. Wakeland Wolverines (5A) -- 26-0-2 (UIL-5A State Champions)
3. Flower Mound Jaguars (6A) -- 16-2-2 (Area Finalists)
4. Colleyville Heritage Panthers (5A) -- 24-1-2 (UIL-5A State Runner Ups)
5. Southlake Carroll Dragons (6A) -- 24-1-1 (Regional Semifinalists)
6. Hebron Hawks (6A) -- 18-4-4 (Regional Quarterfinalists)
7. Wylie East Raiders (6A) -- 25-2 (Region II-6A Finalists)
8. FM Marcus Marauders (6A) -- 17-7-4 (Region I-6A Finalists)
9. Highland Park Scots (5A) -- 18-4-3 (Area Finalists in 6A)
10. Waxahachie Life Mustangs (4A) -- 27-4-1 (Region I-4A Finalists)
Honorable Mentions:
6A -- Coppell, Rockwall, Duncanville, Allen, Garland Sachse, Wylie, Lake Highlands, Byron Nelson
5A -- Walnut Grove, Argyle, Midlothian, Frisco Reedy, Lucas Lovejoy, Frisco Lone Star, Grapevine, Fossil Ridge
4A -- Panther Creek, Lake Dallas, Sunnyvale, Decatur
STATE SEMIFINALS: Midlothian soccer makes historic appearance at the state tournament
With a nearly unblemished record, the Midlothian Panthers are making the program's first-ever state tournament appearance. With all the tools necessary to continue fighting strong, VYPE DFW takes a look at their season so far as well as what fans can expect:
The Season So Far
Opening the season with incredible victories over tough non-district opponents, the Panthers were able to defeat Brewer (4-3), Adamson (6-0), and Sunset (5-1) as a way to sharpen their abilities before entering a tough district schedule. Using all moments as learning moments on the field, even their losses were seen as a way to continually get better.
Led by Landon Exley, Ayden Hildreth, Caden Naizer, Marcus Manu, Kyle Allen, Jacob Warren, and several other talent athletes, Midlothian pounced into their district schedule ready to make huge waves. Without hesitation, the team took their district opponents by storm while going 14-0-2 in district play and finishing at the top of their standings. Defeating Midlothian Heritage (3-0), Mansfield Summit (6-0), Joshua (4-1), Burleson (5-0), and others, the team put on several shows for their fans as they walked into the playoffs with their heads held high.
Once in the playoffs, the team showed no mercy as they took down Grapevine Northwest, Monterey, and Burges. Outscoring their opponents by a combined 108-28 goals this season, Midlothian has only showcased their continued ability to play a smart offense and an alert defense.
What To Expect
Fans can expect this bunch to remain alert as they enter the state semifinals. Facing Goose Creek Memorial in what is also their program's first tournament appearance, fans can be sure to expect a battle to the finish. This team has everything it takes to end their season on a high note, but they must first get through Goose Creek Memorial-- a feat they are absolutely prepared for.
The game is slated to begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11 in Georgetown, Texas!