Midfielders / Inquirer Players of the Year
Versatile and selfless, the senior midfielders combined for 19 goals and 22 assists this season for an Explorers team that won both the Catholic League and District 12 Class AAA titles, reaching the semifinals of the state playoffs. The duo's presence was felt most on defense, as La Salle won 15 straight games before falling in the state tournament, recording nine straight shutouts in the process.
Dusing spent the season at the defensive midfield position, tasked with holding back but also with starting the counterattack. Grasela spent most of the season as an offensive midfielder, but was moved to center back when the Explorers had to bear down on defense. Dusing and Grasela, both very good in the air, were relentless on defense, as La Salle gave up only six goals in its last 15 games of the season. Explorers coach Bob Peffle referred to them both as "warriors."
One of the most explosive players in the region, the Georgetown recruit scored 28 goals this season, giving him 91 in four years as a Ford. His speed and extreme technical ball skill rattled defenders all season, as the Fords won both the Inter-Ac League and Pennsylvania Independent Schools titles.
The senior scored 15 goals this season, including two against West Chester Rustin in the District 1 Class AAA quarterfinals. Most impressive about Marks' season is how strong he came on late, as 13 of his goals came after Sept. 28, showing how clutch he is in big games.
The senior has impressive range and a rocket of a shot, which allows him to score from almost anywhere on the field. Rohleder helped his team finish undefeated atop the Ches-Mont League, and the Golden Knights didn't lose a game until the quarterfinals of the District 1 Class AAA tournament.
Dangerous on the outside midfield, the senior scored 12 goals and assisted on 16 more, bringing his career totals to 51 and 39. His speed and creativity with the ball often generated scoring chances where there appeared to be none. O'Neill will play for Colgate next year.
Also a defensive presence in the midfield, French was an important part of the Firebirds attack this season, scoring 14 goals and collecting five assists. The junior's consistency and playmaking ability helped Holy Ghost to the District 1 Class AA championship and a quarterfinal berth in the state tournament.
The junior was an important part of a Patriots team that didn't allow a goal in the District 1 Class AAA tournament until the final and defeated the No. 1 seed, West Chester Rustin, in the quarterfinals. Vare set the tone in the back, as the Patriots especially came up big in close games. They won nine games by a goal.
Dubow, a cocaptain, was a vital part of the Fords defense. His consistent play, calm demeanor, and strength in the air helped Haverford School win 18 games this season. A senior, Dubow controlled a back line that recorded eight shutouts, including the final three games of the year.
The Titans had 10 shutouts this season, including a string of six games. The junior was a big reason for the streak, which was impressive particularly because five of the wins came in the Suburban One League Continental Conference, one of the toughest divisions in the area.
The last line of defense for the Indians helped Souderton to the District 1 Class AAA semifinals, as well as a berth in the state tournament, winning 17 games. In 24 games, Afflerbach, a senior cocaptain, had 125 saves and 12 shutouts. That increased his career shutouts total to 34.
