Ninth and ultimate in a sequence of tales profiling prime highschool soccer gamers by place. As we speak, Dylan Moreno, San Pedro kicker.
San Pedro soccer coach Corey Walsh remembers the primary time seeing Dylan Moreno present up on campus as a freshman.
“He got here right here as a scrawny kicker at 100 kilos,” Walsh stated.
Strolling round campus, Moreno nearly lived a secret life. Nobody would have dared to suppose he was a soccer participant.
“Nah,” Moreno stated. “They’re going to suppose I’m a daily scholar.”
By his sophomore season, Moreno was closing in on 130 kilos and making clutch area targets. He made a 38-yard area aim with 12 seconds left in regulation to tie the rating in opposition to Carson. He made area targets from 27 and 32 yards in opposition to Banning in an extra time win on the Coliseum. He made seven of 9 on area targets and 45 of 47 on PATs en path to an All-Metropolis season.
His focus this offseason has been on gaining energy and weight. He lifts alongside linemen and earns respect.
“You must see him within the weight room,” Walsh stated. “Tiny man who works arduous.”
It ought to come as no shock that the 5-foot-7 Moreno is gaining consideration within the San Pedro group. His father, Wilmer, who made a 28-yard area aim for the Pirates within the 1997 Metropolis championship recreation in opposition to Taft on the Coliseum, has been telling San Pedro coaches for years about his son’s coming arrival.
Mike Walsh, the previous San Pedro head coach and the daddy of Corey Walsh, stated Wilmer bragged, “This child goes to be good.”
Since fifth grade, Dylan and his father have been going to San Pedro to follow kicking.
“My dad took me to San Pedro as a result of he at all times needed me to be a kicker.,” Dylan stated. “I used to be a soccer participant. I favored taking part in soccer as a result of it was one thing new. Ever since, I fell in love with the sport.”
His problem has been rising his energy to have the ability to energy the soccer into the top zone on kickoffs, forcing a touchback. In any other case, Moreno may need to make a deal with. He says he’s prepared.
“I’m not scared once I see individuals on the sphere,” he stated. “I simply must do what I received to do. If he’s there, I’ve to deal with him. I’m prepared for that.”
One in every of Moreno’s strengths thus far has been thriving in strain conditions, incomes the belief of his coach.
“His accuracy has been superb,” Walsh stated.
Stated Moreno: “Kicking is usually 70% psychological and 30% bodily. You must be targeted on what you’re doing. After all, you’re going to get butterflies in your abdomen, however I really feel I can management it. I don’t actually take into consideration how far to kick it. I simply kick the ball.”
Papa Walsh, who serves as a San Pedro assistant, used to inform a younger Moreno, “You’re going to be that man once you’re a senior.”
Now it’s as much as Moreno to make himself look good going into his junior season.
“I’ve been grinding my butt off to show that,” Moreno stated. “I need to come off a legend on the faculty.”
Kickers/punters to look at
Gabriel Goroyan, Westlake, 5-11, 175, Jr.: Sturdy leg, relentless work behavior
Jacob Kreinberg, Loyola, 6-0, 195, Sr.: Made 11 of 14 area targets final season
Aiden Migirdichian, Orange Lutheran, 5-11, 160, Sr.: Was 9 for 9 on area targets as a junior
Dylan Moreno, San Pedro, 5-7, 130, Jr.: Has confirmed he makes clutch area targets.
Carter Montgomery, Claremont, 6-1, 153, Sr.: Owns a school-record 48-yard area aim
Oscar Reyes Ramirez, Hemet, 5-9, 160, Sr.: Made 15 area targets final season
Jackson Shevin, Mira Costa, 6-0, 185, Sr.: Averaged 38 yards on punts as a junior
Jerry Shifman, Mater Dei, 5-11, 170, So.: Has made main strides in offseason
Carter Sobel, Sierra. Canyon, 5-9, 165, Jr.: Had 48-yard game-tying area aim final season
CJ Wallace, St. John Bosco, 5-11, 160, Sr.: Washington commit retains getting higher
