The Lake Oconee Academy boys’ soccer team is one of the top-ranked teams in its classification for good reason.
The Titans entered this week ranked No. 2 in Class A Division II as they returned a lot of starters from last year. They’ve beaten teams such as Prince Avenue Christian, Putnam County, Westminster, and Social Circle.
Despite losing 5-2 on Tuesday to top-ranked GMC Prep, Lake Oconee Academy is 6-2 overall and 1-1 in region play.
LOA head coach Connor Domaleski isn’t surprised by the team’s success. The second-year coach thinks his team’s early-season triumphs have met expectations but hasn’t exceeded the goals set before the start of the year.
“I would say we’ve met expectations, but we definitely haven’t exceeded them yet,” Domaleski told the Lake Oconee News. “I don’t think we’ve played our best soccer yet. Not even close. Our best game came against Westminster last week. We’re on the right track, though. I’m pleased with the progress that we’ve made.”
Lake Oconee Academy defeated Westminster of Watkinsville 2-0 on March 1. The Titans received goals from Palmer Larkin and Nick Jaronski, while keeper Knox Van Mol managed to hold the Lions scoreless in the win.
Domaleski has seen those three and several others step up on the offensive side of the pitch to help win games like against Westminster. The Titans have a talented roster with many players wanting to pull their weight.
“[Palmer] has been very consistent for us,” Domaleski added. “Nick Jaronski has also been someone that I have been surprised with. I knew he would contribute but didn’t know he was going to be one of our best players. We look solid. Noah (Watson) and a few others have been great. To be honest, the whole team looks great.”
Larkin led the team in scoring last season and is doing it again during his junior campaign in 2024. Jaronski, Julio Arriaza-Reyes, Leonardo Perez, and Garrett Griffin are also helping the offense thrive this year.
According to Domaleski, Van Mol’s skills as a keeper give those six offensive contributors more ways to score “Knox is always a stud in goal. He allows us to be a lot more flexible in how we attack on offense,” Domaleski said. “We know that even if we get beat on the back line, it’s going to be hard to get it past him.”
Still, as Domaleski previously mentioned, he believes his team’s best soccer is ahead. Domaleski wants his players peaking at the right time as region play starts to heat up this week with a conference title on their minds.
“Our first goal, above anything else, is just to win the region title. We haven’t won the region since I have been here as an assistant or head coach,” Domaleski said. “So, that is the most achievable goal right now. And we genuinely feel like we can win the state championship this year. That’s another main goal for us.”
LOA will travel to Hiawassee to face Towns County on Friday before hosting Lincoln County next week on March 19.