TX High School Boys Playoff Team Spotlight: Marcus Marauders

FLOWER MOUND, TX: Marcus High School is one of the historically great programs in Texas. They have a bonafide history of producing great players and winning. Last season the Marauders surprisingly failed to make the playoffs, snapping the 30-year streak of postseason appearances. The 2023 season had a rocky start and saw the Marauders go 1-3 to start district. After their slow start, the Marauders started to find their form and only lost 1 of their last 9 district games, claiming the fourth playoff spot. This 2023 Marcus side is a very organized, well coached, cohesive unit that has a lot of grit and an incredibly great mentality. To start the postseason, the Marauders were able to knock off a top ranked Prosper team 3-2 to move onto the Area Championship. Tuesday's area championship match had Marcus squaring off against longtime rival Jesuit. This article will highlight some of the key players that stood out for the Marauders, and includes miscellaneous photos from the match.   Over the years, the Marcus vs Jesuit rivalry has created some fantastic, drama-filled games that you can always expect to see high intensity at, accompanied by more than a few whistles. Last night's match was indeed a physical battle with the palpable intensity of a championship. The first half was fairly even, with both sides creating some opportunities until Cale Glover found the back of the net to put Marcus up 1-0 at the half. Jesuit fought hard for 80 minutes, and were a bit unlucky not to score after hitting the post a few times, forcing the senior Marcus keeper Aidan Clark into some big saves. Despite Jesuit's best efforts, a big second half goal from [player_tooltip player_id='15850' first='Avery' last='Estell'] doubled the Marauder lead, and then sophomore Melo Dube's great finish made it 3-0, putting the final nail in the Ranger's coffin and securing the area championship. The Marauders are now turning their attention to the regional quarterfinal, where they will face a tough Lake Highlands side who are coming off a huge 2-1 victory over Hebron.   I asked Marcus head coach and former MLS star, Sam Garza what changed for the Marauders from their slow start to their current form. He told me it's a combination of several factors, like getting some players returning from injuries, finding the positions that best fit individuals, and formational tweaks that have helped the turn a slow start into playoff success.   Aaron Pondeca is a creative, technical, and dynamic center attacking midfielder who plays like a true #10. He is technically gifted with a great first touch and loads of skill on the ball. Aaron has a lot of pace and is faster with the ball at his feet than many are at a full sprint. The combination of his quickness, with his fantastic dribbling, can make it difficult for defenders to close out or even slow him down, especially in transition. He can turn quickly to start counter attacks and has the skill to beat multiple defenders on his own. His quick feet and skill on the ball can frustrate defenders, and he often wins free kicks in the attacking third from challenges. Aaron is composed in front of goal, he can shoot accurately with either foot, and he is a great player to have on a counter attack.   [player_tooltip player_id='15850' first='Avery' last='Estell'] is a fit, fast, and smart outside back who is perfectly suited to play as a wing back. He has the fitness and pace to operate up and down the entire sideline without getting caught out. He has a good first touch and makes exceptional decisions when he has the ball at his feet. Avery has excellent vision and passing, which allows him to play out of pressure and neutralize a press. One of Avery's best attributes is how he can anticipate play, intercept passes, and shut down passing options. He can deliver dangerously accurate crosses with either foot as well as find forward runs in behind. Avery has as very high IQ and the quality to play anywhere on the pitch with his powerful strikes.   [player_tooltip player_id='16150' first='Gage' last='Riley'] is a strong midfield player who plays the #6 spot well. He is a smart player who doesn't often make decisions that puts his side in bad situations. As one of the senior captains, Gage is a leader on the pitch who communicates extremely well. Part of what makes Gage such a good #6, is his combination of strength and physicality. He is not someone you want to try and outmuscle, and he will make you think twice before going into a 50/50 challenge. Defensively he is solid, moves off the ball well, can win 50/50 balls, is great at slowing down or killing counter attacks, and will go into challenges with authority. He adds valuable leadership, intensity, and physicality to the midfield.   Cale Glover is a confident forward who has a very good physical skill set. He is tall, strong, fast, and has a lot of natural athleticism.  Cale has produced some of the biggest moments for the Marauders this year. He can play well with his back to goal, has the strength to hold off defenders, and is an accomplished goal scorer. Cale can score goals and has proven himself to be a “Big Game Player” who is not afraid of the moment; he's netted crucial goals in back to back play-off matches against Prosper and Jesuit.   The Marauder's strong and talented back four are anchored by their pair of big senior center backs Sebastian Salazar and Nate Golden. Both of these defenders have plenty of size, strength, and athleticism to go around. Sebastian is surprisingly good on the ball, and is one of the more technically skilled center-backs out there. His decision-making points to a high soccer IQ and a good understanding of the game. Sebastian has developed a solid partnership with Nate Golden at the back. The thing that stands out the most about Golden (besides his physical attributes) is his incredible delivery. Nate is usually the one standing over the ball on corners or set pieces on the flanks. It may seem odd at first to have one of the tallest guys on the field taking corners, but it will make immediate sense once you see his delivery. He has the vision to find forward runners, but he also has the skill to pick out those passes and long balls. Both Sebastian and Nate have the strong confident demeanor of great players.   Aiden Henle is a very fast and fit player with an incredibly high motor. Aiden is listed as a wing back, but spends a lot of time in the attack as a winger. His speed and level of fitness help give him the versatility to play in multiple positions from the front to the back. He is a solid all-around player who can attack and defend well, but what gives Aiden an edge is his tenacity and work rate. Aiden is also productive in the attacking third and makes big moves for his team on the attack.   Sebastian Salazar, Senior, Center Back, FC Dallas 05B North Blue   Nate Golden, Senior, Center Back,   Aaron Pondeca, Junior, Center Midfielder, FC Dallas 06B North   [player_tooltip player_id='15850' first='Avery' last='Estell'], Senior, Left Back, Dallas Texans 04B ECNL   Cale Glover, Junior, Center Midfielder   [player_tooltip player_id='16150' first='Gage' last='Riley'], Senior, Defensive Midfielder, BVB 05B ECNL   Aidan Henle, Junior, Outside-back/winger,   Melo Dube, Sophomore, Winger,   Aidan Clark, Senior, Goal Keeper,     <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/IMG_1834.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-122164" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Marcus GK AIden Clark stretches to make a save</figcaption></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/IMG_1790.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-122171" /></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/IMG_1764.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-122173" /></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/IMG_1782.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-122168" /></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/IMG_8573.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-122177" /></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/IMG_1802.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-122166" /></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/IMG_1776.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-122163" /></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/IMG_1775.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-122165" /></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/IMG_8568-2-1.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-122178" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cale Glover scores the first goal</figcaption></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/IMG_8572.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-122176" /></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/IMG_1767.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-122172" /></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/IMG_1832.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-122175" /></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/IMG_1760.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-122169" /></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/IMG_1831.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-122167" /></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/IMG_1808.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-122170" /></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/IMG_1806-1.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-122174" /></figure> </figure>

FLOWER MOUND, TX: Marcus High School is one of the historically great programs in Texas. They have a bonafide history of producing great players and winning. Last season the Marauders surprisingly failed to make the playoffs, snapping the 30-year streak of postseason appearances. The 2023 season had a rocky start and saw the Marauders go 1-3 to start district. After their slow start, the Marauders started to find their form and only lost 1 of their last 9 district games, claiming the fourth playoff spot. This 2023 Marcus side is a very organized, well coached, cohesive unit that has a lot of grit and an incredibly great mentality. To start the postseason, the Marauders were able to knock off a top ranked Prosper team 3-2 to move onto the Area Championship. Tuesday's area championship match had Marcus squaring off against longtime rival Jesuit. This article will highlight some of the key players that stood out for the Marauders, and includes miscellaneous photos from the match.