DECATUR — The Bulldogs started their soccer season last week with games against some tough teams to help them prepare for the conference competition ahead.

Decatur boys’ and girls’ teams played the 1-4A Berryville Bobcats and the 1-6A Siloam Springs Panthers last week. They will face the 1-7A Rogers Heritage High War Eagles on Thursday.

The Bulldogs lost to both Berryville and Siloam Springs. The losses were expected, according to coach James Garner. While Decatur is a 2A athletic conference, the school plays in the 4A conference because it’s the smallest that offers soccer.

Garner said he hopes to play the tough teams early in the season so the team will be ready for competition against the schools in their conference, such as Gentry and Bergman.

The team members have a good attitude about playing the bigger teams.

“The kid’s know they’re big and tough,” Garner said. “They went in expecting to lose but wanting to learn.”

Decatur boys lost 9-0 to Siloam Springs on March 1. The Bulldog’s 12 team members played well during thefirst half, but a lack of depth, as well as bitter cold and snow, wore the team down during the second half as they faced the Panther’s 30 players.

“I was pleased with the way they played in the first half,” Garner said.

Decatur’s soccer program is now in its seventh year. Last year, both Decatur girls’ and boys’ teams qualified to compete in the state tournament.

This year, Garner said he expects more of a building year. The girls’ team lost a number of players to graduation, and the boys’ team lost both team captains and several key players, he said.

Garner said the players are getting used to each other on the field and reacting really well.

“I think we’re looking forward to a pretty decent season,” he said.

February 28 Boys Berryville - 7 Decatur - 1 Girls Berryville - 9 Decatur - 0 March 1 Boys Siloam Springs - 9 Decatur - 0 Girls Siloam Springs - 9 Decatur - 1

Sports, Pages 7 on 03/06/2013