By Patrick MacCoonRecord Sports EditorScoring a certain amount of goals and expecting an obtainable number of wins aren’t on John Schulte’s mind.Instead, the Warrenton boys soccer head coach has focused more on passing along the importance of learning to his team as it prepares for its regular season opener on Aug. 21.“One of our slogans is to learn every day,” Schulte said. “We want to get better with our skill, knowledge and confidence. If we do those three things, we are going to grow as individuals and as a team. If they buy into the system, we will score a lot of goals and finish above .500 this year.”While the Warriors started off slow last season, a winning record over its last 13 games looks to be carried over as they start the season on the road at Fulton.“We want to get off to a fast start this season,” he said. You don’t want to go back to trying to dig yourselves out of a hole. We want to set the tone early and grow our confidence.”Seniors Sawyer Junker and Dillen Mayfield will return as two of the GAC North’s top talents.Junker played more minutes than any other goalkeeper in the conference last season and led all with 204 saves on his way to a second-team all-conference selection as keeper. He also posted five shutouts while allowing 2.92 goals per game.“Other teams have lost some key players and I think that if we play with intensity and dedication that results will go in our favor,” Junker said. “I’m excited for the chance of making first-team conference goalie and shooting for all-state.”With the top three scorers in the conference departed, Mayfield will enter the season as the leading scorer in the GAC North.Despite missing 10 games last season, Warrenton’s leading scorer finished with 18 goals and 42 points in 13 contests. Mayfield was strong in late-game situations as well, booting six game-winning goals.For two straight seasons, he has been selected as a first-team conference forward.“Dillen was still trying to fully recover from a torn ACL he suffered halfway through his sophomore season,” Schulte said. “Last season it was bothering him at times to where he couldn’t practice or play in a game because his knee would swell up. He’s doing better this season, but we still are trying to conserve him to where he can play in every game.”When looking for leadership out on the practice field this fall, the Warriors head coach hasn’t had to look very far. His goalkeeper and elite scorer have displayed numerous times that they can present a positive force for their team on the soccer pitch.“Junker and Mayfield are going to be great leaders for us out on the field,” he said. “(Dillen) is always out there trying to motivate kids and pump them up. He shows what hard work looks like and what you need to do. Junker in goal is a constant professional. He works hard and makes his teammates work hard in practice. Another year of experience for him in goal is going to help him do outstanding things for us.”Adam Staley’s departure presents a void on the scoring attack after he finished second with 10 goals in a 10-13 finish for Warrenton in 2014.However, after a strong freshman campaign, Nick Forrest is expected to provide a solid presence on the offensive side of the ball.In a 5-2 victory over Sullivan last season, Forrest scored two goals and also assisted a score in a breakout performance.“We are looking for big things out of Nick Forrest this year,” Schulte said. “Nick’s ball control has been great, his shot is a lot harder and he is a bit quicker. He should be a force headed attacking the goal this year.”Incoming freshman Isaac Frederick also looks to provide an instant force.Warrenton will also open with an appearance in the Fort Zumwalt North Tournament (Aug. 22-27), in which the Warriors will play Missouri Military Academy, Ritenour and Lutheran St. Charles.“If we play with confidence, it’s going to be a great year,” Schulte said.

Warrenton senior forward Dillen Mayfield controls a ball in a contest last season. Mayfield returns as a two-time first-team conference selection and looks to help lead the Warriors to a strong season. He scored 18 goals in limited action in 2014.

Derrick Forsythe photo.