Going into the 2015 season, the Harriton boys’ soccer team knew they had talent, with 17 returning varsity players and the addition of one freshman. But the Rams were still uncertain about their offense’s performance without last year’s superstar graduated striker Kyle Gaeffke. There was nothing to worry about, they soon found.

The season started off with dominant midfield play from captain Felix Serlin, as well as Ethan Rodgers, Serhat Sakarcan, Ben Folds, and Alex Kades. The defense also proved strong, with goalie Lukas Serlin leading Willie Marks, Aaron Dickman, and captains Anthony Calligaro and Matt Binnion.

The Rams defeated two solid, non-league opponents in West Chester Rustin and Downingtown East, and also achieved a huge upset over the nationally ranked Shipley team. They were ranked #9 in southeastern Pennsylvania. At the time, the Rams looked unstoppable.

However, a terrible midseason skid put the Rams temporarily out of the playoff picture. They hit rock bottom when they lost to Lower Merion, Radnor, and Upper Merion, a traditionally weak opponent. The loss exposed a team that could start strong but never finish well, despite outstanding play from the midfield and defense.

In hindsight, the loss to Upper Merion provided the necessary push that helped the Rams not only make the playoffs but also earn a home playoff game. Senior striker Mathew Leff played the best soccer of his career, scoring assists in five straight games. Leff’s improved play was one of the main reasons the Rams’ offense began to succeed later in the year.

Additionally, in this five-game stretch, Felix Serlin and Kades continued to produce points with the help of Sakarcan and Byron Rivas. In one of the most impressive goals in recent Harriton soccer history, Sakarcan found the back of the net from 35 yards out in a game against Strath Haven.

A highlight from this stretch included Justin Nachman shutting down Nick Janelli, the 2014 Central League runner-up MVP, in a Harriton-Springfield match. Defense had a multitude of consecutive shutouts by Lukas Serlin, who was named Main Line Athlete of the Week by the Main Line Times.

After a long regular season filled with peaks and valleys, the Rams learned that they would face Central Bucks South at home in the first round of districts. With a great turnout from the Herd, the Rams looked to finally win the traditionally elusive first round of districts.

Unfortunately, the game did not play out as they had hoped. After falling behind 2-0 in the first half, coaches Biff Sturla and Aaron Bell pulled Dickman from the game late in the second half to add an extra attacker. Central Bucks South continued the onslaught by adding two more superfluous goals.

Despite the devastating playoff loss, Coach Sturla had nothing but praise when reflecting on “another great season,” in which the boys had an 11-7-1 overall record. In addition to his pride over the team’s strong work on the field, he emphasized the academic performance of the senior players.

“The seniors on this team exemplify what Harriton High School is all about – well rounded young adults with great personalities who are destined for success in life.  The quality of the colleges they are applying to is absolutely amazing,” Sturla told The Banner.

“Seeing the great academic success of our seniors makes me very proud to be a Harriton alum. This tradition at Harriton has been going on for over five decades and shows [how] this school has helped so many people go on to be highly successful in whatever they choose to do with their lives.”

As the boys’ season ends, this message of success applies not just to their bright futures but also their stellar athletic performance this fall. The talented Rams players formed a team that rode through ups and downs to an incredible record and many highlight plays.