AUGUST 27, 2021, KEIZERTIMES, PAGE A17
forwards to make sure we are fi nishing,”
Camarena said.
While McNary has several veterans
in the midfi eld, the same can not be said
for the back line. After losing all-league
defenders Jose Martinez and Miguel
Gaytan, the Celtics will be thin on
defense and will rely upon sophomore
Tony Bravo and senior Carlos Sanchez
on the back line.
“That is going to be a challenge. The
defenders we have don't have a lot of
experience so one of the main things we
need to do is work on our formation and
get lots of repetitions so we can get used
to where we need to be and what we will
be looking for,” Camarena said. “We
also need to continue working on pos-
session. When you have the ball, most
of the time, the opposing team has little
chance to do something against us.”
After splitting time in the net last
year with Miguel Orduna, sophomore
keeper Emerson Carella will take over
as the main goalie for the Celtics.
While there are question marks at
some positions, Camarena believes
there is enough talent on this roster for
the Celtics to compete for a MVC title
and head back to the playoff s — McNary
has qualifi ed for the last four state play-
off s but has been bounced in the fi rst
round each time.
“We strive for excellence and we are
excited about what we have. I think we
will be able to surprise a lot of people
this year,” Camarena said. “Our goal
is to win the conference and play with
confi dence.”
McNary opens their season by host-
ing Nelson on Tuesday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m.
Oscar Chavez advances the ball upfield in a game from last season.
Johnny Bravo will likely be one of the top midfielders in the MVC.
FILE PHOTO, Keizertimes
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FILE PHOTO, Keizertimes
crossword
answers pg A21