In a season full of dominant wins, broken records, and team and individual awards, Canton’s two standout seniors speak first and foremost about the group with whom they shared success.
Canton seniors Ryan Jones and Ethan Francey were named Section X Central Division Defensive MVP and Offensive MVP, respectively. They also set school records with their performance this year.
Francey set Canton’s single season goals record with 34 tallies, while contributing 20 assists. Jones, meanwhile, broke the school’s assist record with 36 helpers and notched 26 goals of his own.
Neither of the senior stalwarts mention their stats when they talk about the season. In fact, they don’t mention their individual accomplishments at all. Instead, both are keen to speak on the team around them.
The Golden Bears posted a 13-1 conference record on their way to a share of the Central Division crown and a Class B Section X Championship.
When asked about the season, Francey and Jones both landed on the same theme to their team’s campaign: trust.
“Our on-field success came from the relationships each person on our team had with each other and being able to trust one another with the ball at all times and everyone being on the same page to push each other everyday for a common goal,” Francey said.
“Ethan and I had a connection like none other, we always knew where each other was and we’d get the ball to whoever was open. Without him, I for sure wouldn’t have gotten this special award,” Jones added. “The trust in my teammates every game, they trust me and I try to do whatever I can do to help them on the field.”
Francey and Jones are close friends even away from the pitch or the hardwood, where they are both focusing their efforts now on the upcoming basketball campaign. Jones said the connection between them, and their connection with the team as a whole, benefited everyone during the fall season.
“Our bond definitely helped our team and both of us individually,” he said. “Our bond between the two of us impacted our teammates as you can tell on the field. They knew we were going to give them the ball and trust them, and after our first couple games, both of us knew our team was going to be something special.”
Off-field friendship blossomed into on-field chemistry this season, and not just between the pair of MVPs. Francey said the team gathered frequently outside of practice to work on skills and grow closer as a group.
“The team was so tight knit due to the team dinners once a week and the mini soccer tournaments that were held along with many of the players on the team hanging out outside of soccer,” Francey said. “This allowed there to be no drama with the team and everyone pushed everyone everyday with positive mindsets.”
Their coach agrees.
“Ryan Jones and Ethan Francey can be considered a dynamic duo,” Canton Head Coach Matt Caufield noted. “Their commitment to the team is the main reason for our championship season. They are both unselfish players and complemented each other very well.”
“They are one of the best one-two combinations I have had the pleasure to coach and they were certainly fun to watch play the game,” Caufield continued. “They are great teammates and role models for the younger players.”
While the coach was quick to commend the boys for their efforts this season, Jones offered praise for Caufield and Assistant Coach Bill Reed.
“All of this couldn’t have been possible without the support of our fans and most importantly our coaches,” Jones remarked. “These guys pushed us everyday during practice and made us a greater person than soccer players, and shoutout to Coach Reed for making us do fartlek training.”
Looking back on their final soccer season, both Francey and Jones reflected on the moments, both big and small, that were spent with their teammates.
“I will remember Section X Championship game days,” Jones said. “Last year, against Madrid Waddington, I could just see in the guy’s faces that we were going to dominate and we did. Everyone had each other’s back, which led to this year’s team being talented and knew we would be back in the Section X Championship again and totally dominated the game. Also, Coach Caufield’s pregame pep talks to get the guys fired up before taking the field.”
Francey’s memory conjures a less pronounced impression.
“What stands out to me is bus rides throughout the six years that I played,” he said, “and the memories shared between people along with the close games and the emotions shared between the team.”
