An extremely up-and-down season still ended with a chance to make the playoffs, so Park Hill plans to continue seeking out that elusive trophy this year.
The Trojans finished 12-13 last season, unable to secure a .500 campaign in a difficult 1-0 loss to Oak Park in the Class 4 District 15 championship game. Park Hill didn’t win three straight until October but put together momentum at the right time behind a versatile roster.
However, the season ended with a 10th one-goal loss — results that included one penalty shootout and one sudden-death overtime defeat.
Park Hill employed a small but productive senior class that included All-Suburban Conference Red Division performers Peyton LaFerla, Christian Fullmer and Stanton Heydinger. LaFerla recorded eight shutouts for the second straight season and leaves a big void at the back of the defense.
While losing Heydinger, the defensive backline returns senior all-region performer Jackson Foutch and sophomore Aaron Simpson, who turned in an impressive freshman season and led the Trojans in minutes played.
Fullmer played a lot in the front but was also used on defense. After tallying five goals as a junior, he scored 15 to go with three assists last year and provided a unique offensive threat, along with senior returning midfielder Nico Bosmediano, who displayed a penchant for scoring highlight reel goals during an all-conference campaign.
Park Hill has not made the playoffs since advancing in Class 3 back in 2011.