The Pursuit of Perfection - The 2024 Cosby Titans Boys

<p>“Gentlemen, we will chase perfection, and we will chase it relentlessly, knowing all the while we can never attain it. But along the way, we shall catch excellence.”<br>― Vince Lombardi</p>   <p>Even before the 2024 VA high school spring season began, the Cosby boys soccer team had some incredibly high expectations. Sure, they had lost their leading goalscorer, starting goalkeeper, and other key players from the 2023 squad, but they had also reloaded with high caliber players that were ready to contribute right away. Contribute isn't even really the right word, more like dominate right away. Deniss Hayes, Nikita Hayes, Isaac Torres, and Brayden Elzey had joined a team that would have been picked to compete for a spot in the VA state tournament before their arrival. After adding them, this team was expected to make it to the state semifinals, at the very least. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/06/0R2A6731.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-179098" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Nikita and Deniss Hayes with Coach Anderson, Rich, <a href="https://www.richimagesphoto.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rich Images Photography</a></figcaption></figure>   <p>Don't get me wrong, every single coach in the state would LOVE to have had the collection of talent that Mike Anderson had this season, but it came with other challenges. Challenges that coaches do not typically have to deal with. Knowing your squad will really only be tested a few times during a 16-game regular season. Trying to find playing time for everyone who deserves it. Most importantly, keeping the most important task in the front of everyone's mind, every day - the next game. Anderson and his staff would constantly have to make sure that the team did not listen to the outside noise and look too far ahead, and make sure that everyone on the team had the same mentality. This was, and always would be, a TEAM first. As spectators, we could hear it at every game from every player, coach, and fan. "This team works so hard". "This team is so fun to watch". Anderson was building the mentality these boys would need from the beginning, as he has every year. If they were to achieve excellence in the pursuit of perfection, it would take everyone, "from #1 through #30".</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/06/2V7A9918.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-179092" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cosby Starting XI in an early season game vs Clover Hill, Rich Images Photography</figcaption></figure>   <p>Cosby started the season better than anyone even expected, winning their first 7 games by a combined score of 37-1, taking care of of two of their biggest RVA rivals (James River and Midlothian) along the way. They were dominant for sure, but anyone who had been around for a year or more knew that the whole season would not go this way. </p>   <p>In their 8th game, the second matchup vs James River, the Titans fought and clawed their way to a 1-0 victory. It was the type of game we have all seen our favorite team tie, or even lose. Dominant in possession, shots, and chances created, but could only find the back of the net once. This is where the leadership of senior Ryan Londeree really started to show. Ryan was 1st Team All-State, All-Region, and a Gatorade POY finalist as a junior, but knew that the team needed more in order to surpass the success of the 2023 team, which ended with a disappointing loss in the regional semifinal to Landstown - a game in which the Titans dominated possession, shots, and chances created, but lost on the scoreboard. </p>   <p>You could see it in his play. Every time the team seemed to drop a bit in energy, Londeree would work even harder, and it was infectious. Senior Evan Gaines would also be instrumental in making sure this team was never complacent, leading by example every minute. As far as leadership, Cosby had huge shoes to fill. The 2023 Titans captain, Ka'eo Gonsalves, was as good as it gets, and the Titans 2024 leaders were up to the task.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/06/2V7A1598.jpg?w=732" alt="" class="wp-image-179097" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Londeree and Gaines, Rich, <a href="https://www.richimagesphoto.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rich Images Photography</a></figcaption></figure>   <p>That James River game seemed to re-focus the squad, giving the coaching staff something to point at as an example of what could happen on any given night. At the same time, the staff could also point at how calm and composed the team remained during the final moments of that game, another important lesson the team would need to learn. The final 8 regular season games were similar to the first 7, with Cosby winning all of them, pretty comfortably. Midlothian, Monacan, and Clover Hill all gave the Titans a much tougher battle in their second chance, helping Cosby prepare for the playoffs. For a second year in a row, the Cosby Titans had achieved a 16-0 regular season. The 2024 version had a +73 goal differential (77 scored, just 4 conceded).</p>   <p>Next up, the regional tournament, where the Titans had fallen short of qualifying for the state tournament two years in a row. Both times, they were defeated by Landstown. When the bracket was released, the overall consensus was that we would see a Cosby vs Landstown regional final. By that game, both teams would have already qualified for the state tournament (both regional semifinal winners qualify for the VA state quarterfinals), but they had to get there first. After the James River game earlier in the season, and struggling to find the back of the net for extended periods against Monacan and Clover Hill, the Cosby boys had learned that they could not overlook anyone.</p>   <p>In the regional quarterfinal, the Titans showed just how sharp and prepared they were for the playoffs. They disposed of Manchester in a dominating fashion, 6-0. Next up, the regional semifinal, for a ticket to the state tournament. The opponent, the Deep Run Wildcats, was a very talented team that had ended up as a lower seed than expected, due to a grueling early schedule and a bevy of injuries. Against Deep Run, the Cosby boys had to deal with a new challenge for the first time all season, trailing. The Wildcats scored on a counter-attack in the 54' and drained all of the energy from the home crowd. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/pb550b7afNY </div></figure>   <p>On the very next kickoff, Evan Gaines played a long ball that bounced into the Deep Run box. Ryan Londeree went up to challenge it and crumbled to the ground in pain. Londeree had sustained a knee injury that would keep him out for the rest of this game, and, seemingly, the rest of the season. The Titans would need to quickly cope with the injury to their captain AND find a game-tying goal. The pursuit of perfection was 25 minutes away from ending in the same place it did in 2022 and 2023.</p>   <p>This marks the point in the season where the Cosby Titans showed all of us how great of a team they were, how hard they would fight for each other, and how focused they were on getting beyond this stage of the playoffs. This also marks the point where the team's leading scorer and top offensive player, Deniss Hayes, would absolutely take over the playoffs. About 12 minutes after Londeree was aided in getting off the field, Brayden Pascale played a ball over the top to the middle of the field. Watch what Deniss does with it.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/OtbMmGxKQsM </div></figure>   <p>The crowd was back in it, Deniss had gotten all of the momentum on Cosby's side, and 13 minutes after his first goal, Mr. Hayes did this.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/zMn_czHWjB4 </div></figure>   <p>Just like that, the Titans were in the driver's seat. Brayden Elzey was the player called upon to step up in the absence of Londeree. As the saying goes, "you don't have to get ready if you stay ready". Elzey scored the 3rd Cosby goal of the night. They went on to win 3-1, qualified for the state tournament, and were set for a matchup with Landstown. This time, there would be some hardware on the line.</p>   <p>The regional final also took place at Cosby, but would be missing 2 of the biggest stars in the state. Londeree and Kamar Wilson (Landstown) were both forced to miss the game due to injury. They had both sustained a knee injury at eerily similar times. Even without those two, this matchup had enough storylines for Stephen A. or Skip to go on for hours about.</p>   <p>Landstown had eliminated Cosby from the playoffs in the last two years. [player_tooltip player_id='170719' first='Ryan' last='Walsh'] (Landstown) and Deniss Hayes were going to be on the same field at the same time to try and show which was the best offensive player in the region. Sean Stowe, the head coach of the Landstown Eagles, played GK at Cosby for Mike Anderson in the late 2000s. He was even the school mascot at Cosby for football and basketball games. Stowe went on to play at ODU, and, eventually, coach with Beach FC and Landstown.</p>   <p>The connection is much deeper than that and actually goes beyond soccer. The Stowe family is beloved in the Cosby/James River/Midlothian community. Sean's brother, Ian, was also a soccer player and coach in the area. He coached at FC Richmond and was the James River HS girls varsity HC. Most importantly, Ian continues to serve as an inspiration to the entire community. Ian was a cancer survivor, noted for his strong will and positive attitude. Ian unexpectedly passed in 2021. His former players began a soccer tournament in his honor. The 3v3 StoweStrong soccer tournament is held annually at James River HS for the Ian Stowe Scholarship. This fund is awarded to a JRHS student who exemplifies the values that Ian did. For more information on the 3v3 StoweStrong tournament, follow @stowestrong3v3 on Instagram.</p>   <p>With all of that, it was easy to feel a range of emotions in the crowd during the game, most of which focused on the task at hand - the Region 6A Championship. The first half was what we all expected - physical, cagey, and tight. Cosby had the bulk of the chances, but Landstown was well organized in the back, blocking multiple shots on the doorstep of the goal. Just after the 2nd half began, Cosby broke through in a very unconventional way. Cosby midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='141185' first='Ben' last='Posey'] executed a long throw towards the Landstown goal that was misplayed and tipped into his net by the keeper. Ten minutes later, Nathan Lagbo's shot deflected into the goal to tie the game for Landstown. The battle continued. With 6 minutes left in regulation, the crowd started to think overtime was in the cards. Just then, Cosby earned a corner kick.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/-ictM6zM-Z4 </div></figure>   <p>Junior Kyle Fowler fought for a loose ball and put it in the goal for the 2-1 Cosby lead! The final whistle blew a few minutes later. Cosby had won the regional title and beat Landstown for the first time in their last 3 playoff matchups. An incredibly energetic sigh of relief could be heard miles away from Cosby High School. The Titans had also earned the right to host a state quarterfinal against Colgan, the region 6b runners-up from Manassas, VA.</p>   <p>The Colgan Sharks had a young roster, and were up against a tough test, facing a Cosby team that had been waiting for this moment. In the 3rd minute, Deniss Hayes was right back at it. Javi Catedral played a through ball into Deniss' path and he finished it, putting Cosby closer to the state semifinals and Spring jamboree. Only 10 minutes later, Deniss struck again, with this absurd solo effort.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/TGN4nv1Uz_s </div></figure>   <p>Zach Stoss would add 2 more for Cosby and they would go on to win 4-1. The Sharks had some very impressive underclassmen, including forward Nathan Forst, who was very dangerous. </p>   <p>On to the state semifinals. The Titans were now 20-0-0, one weekend (two games) away from their ultimate goal. But, one game at a time. Can't win the final if you don't get to play in it, as I'm sure Anderson and the coaching staff communicated. The state semifinal was a matchup against Herndon and [player_tooltip player_id='144705' first='Otu' last='Bisong'], a 2025 UVA commit. Herndon had gone through some of their own adversity and was without some key players, including JMU commit Luis Fuentes. On the other side, Ryan Londeree surprised a ton of people when they saw him warming up and starting in this game. He was back, although probably not 100%. Still, a huge emotional lift in time for the state semifinals!</p>   <p>In the 12th minute, another long throw for Cosby turned into an own goal for the opposition, putting Cosby up 1-0. The first goal in these state tournament games is HUGE. I don't have the stats on it but trust me. Thirteen minutes later, after a Herndon corner kick, the Cosby counter-attack was on! Stoss found Londeree in the middle of the field, and Londeree played a first-time, inch-perfect through ball to #17 (it's Deniss). Not 100%? Who am I kidding, what a pass! 2-0 Cosby.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/1do-HXRDU34 </div></figure>   <p>Deniss would tack on one more just before the end of the game. Cosby won 3-0. The game was closer than the scoreline suggested, but the Titans were the better side. Special shout out to Javi Catedral, who was impossible to deal with on the wing in this game, [player_tooltip player_id='141185' first='Ben' last='Posey'], who put on a masterclass as a defensive mid, especially in the first half when matched up with the talented Bisong, and GK Henry Houser, who had a ton of long throw-ins and set pieces to deal with and kept the clean sheet.</p>   <p>The VHSL Class 6 State Final was here. The game they may not have been allowed to talk about very loudly, but now it was the only game left. Most of us have never been lucky enough to play in a state final in any sport. What an atmosphere! It really felt like something special was in the works on Saturday morning at Godwin HS in Richmond, VA. Cosby would face McLean, the arch-nemesis of Herndon, in the final.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/06/0R2A5994.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-179110" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Cosby Squad at the Final, Rich, <a href="https://www.richimagesphoto.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rich Images Photography</a></figcaption></figure>   <p>The first half went as a state final should. It was very intense. There were moments where we could hear a pin drop, and moments where nobody could hear anything over the cheering or begging for a call. In the 33rd minute, the McLean goalkeeper was called for handling the ball outside of the 18. He was given a yellow card and VHSL regulations require the player to leave the field when they receive a yellow, though they can come back on the next time the referee allows it. That gave Ryan Londeree a free kick, spotted just outside of the box, in a 0-0 state final.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/N1YyNtkEtFo </div></figure>   <p>I know... long video to watch for no goal. I have to build the suspense, it's the final. By the way, I think that post is still shaking. Cosby would continue to work for chances, including a shot Londeree put just wide after a wonderful long curled through ball by Evan Gaines. Just a few minutes before halftime, Gaines ended up putting the Titans on top with a header off of a cross from Isaac Torres. Cosby was leading 1-0 in the state final! Listen to the crowd!</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/PQLbZq3vOew?si=E8sk8TTqtvJCcnS2 </div></figure>   <p>The "ring me" celebration in the 38th minute of a 1-0 state final is not one I would personally recommend. It also does show how long this team has been working for this game, and how badly they wanted it. Evan also does not have the personality of a player that would do it. But, if anyone could be sure they had worked hard enough to <strong>deserve </strong>a state championship ring, it was Evan.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/06/0R2A6188-1.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-179117" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Rich, <a href="https://www.richimagesphoto.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rich Images Photography</a></figcaption></figure>   <p>That is how the game went to the half. It was a hot day in Richmond, and the crowd was very pro-Cosby, so McLean was looking at an uphill battle to get back into this one after the break. In the 57' [player_tooltip player_id='141185' first='Ben' last='Posey'] found a ball in the box after a free kick and hammered it towards goal. The McLean keeper did a great job of covering it up very close to the line, keeping his team within a goal. That turned out to be a very important play. In the 69th minute, Junior Ada Karatepe used some tidy footwork and a deflection helped him to tie the game up for McLean, and send us to OT!</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/bouGF6wdt3s </div></figure>   <p>The overtime rules in the VHSL are a bit different than most of us are used to, so I will provide a quick rundown. First, the teams play two 5-minute overtime sessions, switching sides after the first 5 minutes. If the game is still tied after those, we move to two 5-minute golden goal overtime sessions. Any goal during those ends the game immediately. If there is no goal during the golden goal OTs, we move to PKs.</p>   <p>The first two periods of OT had some corners, long throws, and half-chances for both teams. Cosby keeper Henry Houser had a great save on a McLean play that was ultimately whistled for being offside. We were on to the golden goal periods...</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/N-NQ_Kig2bs?si=SnrDosD7ro5bbP8w </div></figure>   <p>In the first golden goal OT, Nikita Hayes, after 100+ minutes of incredible work up and down the left side, still had the energy to dribble past a few McLean defenders and draw a huge foul on the edge of the box. The rest, as they say, is history. Almost as if out of a movie, Deniss Hayes buried the free kick and set off an almost hour-long celebration!</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/aszcX8eXEE8?si=XQQDXObYAtVb6ZKg </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/06/2V7A1594.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-179091" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Rich https://www.richimagesphoto.com/</figcaption></figure>   <p>Deniss was interviewed by the local news. When asked how this felt, he talked about how hard the team worked to get this done and how proud he was of the entire team. 22-0-0 sounds perfect but, as we all know, nothing actually is. This Cosby team got wildly close, undoubtedly caught excellence, and is etched in history for a long time, especially in this community.</p>   <p>At some point during this article, some of you all are probably wondering how I have found so much information on this team. Did I just pick to follow this team at the beginning of the season, hard knocks style? Truth is, I have been following this team and program for the past 4 years, as my son has had the privilege of being a part of it. Congrats, buddy.</p>   <p>As the ending to this piece, I will echo the words of Anderson, "nobody cares whether you are #1 or #30." </p>   <p>So, congratulations to Ryan Londeree, Evan Gaines, Javi Catedral, Zach Stoss, Jesus Hernandez, Brayden Elzey, Isaac Torres, Nikita Hayes, Jordan Bonnett, Deniss Hayes, Derek Rutledge, Conner Winter, Caleb Stanley, Cam Britt, Jackson Moore, Brayden Pascale, Evan Ogletree, Nate Hellman, Austin Peterson, Charlie Sanders, Cameron Harring, Henry Houser, Tripp Riddle, Emory Cameron, Owen Harring, Zach Seay, Declan Burke, [player_tooltip player_id='141185' first='Ben' last='Posey'], Kyle Fowler, Yezeed Khashroom, Landon Kozlowski, Aggie Koutsothodoros, Mark Verbeek, Mike Anderson, Brian Anderson, and Vince Kramolowsky.</p>   <p>Congrats to the parents, friends, school, and fans! Now, someone please give these kids their rings, they keep asking for them on their socials!</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/06/BL7A2978.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-179422" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Josh Muir, <a href="https://joshmuirphotography.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Josh Muir Photography</a></figcaption></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/06/2V7A1469.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-179423" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Rich, <a href="https://www.richimagesphoto.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rich Images Photography</a></figcaption></figure>

“Gentlemen, we will chase perfection, and we will chase it relentlessly, knowing all the while we can never attain it. But along the way, we shall catch excellence.”
― Vince Lombardi