Playing to its strengths, Mount Si looks to be a possession-oriented team this season.

“We’re turning into a team that can keep a ball and move it from defense to midfield to attack, a team that can transition the ball well,” Varsity assistant coach Ben Tomlisson said.

As the season begins, senior co-captain Eric Baumgardner, a California State University-Humboldt signee, has led on the practice field and inspired younger players. He sees strength and skill around him.

“It’s a lot more premier style of play this year,” Baumgardner said. “A lot of these guys are on good club teams. There’ll be way more possession.”

The senior is working hard and conditioning with a goal, or rather “a bunch” of goals in mind.

“I want to put up some numbers this year,” Baumgardner said.

Baumgardner’s younger brother, Aaron, the only freshman on the varsity squad, will compete for a starting squad.

“He’s really quick and skillful,” Tomlisson said.

“He’s a talented player, so he should be here,” his older brother added.

The Wildcats bring back a lot of returning talent, including seniors Kyle Bauman, Morgan Popp, Izzak Sinclair, Michael Blackmon, Brandon Snyder, Dillon Oord, Zac Miller and juniors Dane Aldrich, Chace Carlson, Nate Popp, Jonathan Cramer and Matt Eichler.

The return of junior Davis Karaica is an unexpected bonus. Karaica, who plays on a nationally ranked Eastside club team, missed last season due to injury.

“Not playing, watching, was hard,” Karaica said. Now back to 100 percent, the junior has set his sights on taking Kingco and regaining Mount Si’s state appearance. The team managed sixth place in the quarterfinals last season.

“We’re solid, really good technically,” Karaica said. “It should be a good year.”