After winning their first state championship in 17 years last season, Columbia Falls High School boys soccer will play with only two returning starters on their varsity team this fall.

But nine new faces in the starting lineup doesn’t mean the team’s not strong according to coach O’Brien Byrd. The school boasts a full JV and varsity team, with 42 students out for the sport this season.

“Columbia Falls Wildcats soccer has been a slow, steady climb to the pinnacle,” Byrd said. He noted that last year was the highest level of soccer he had observed on the team, and hopes to reach for another wrung on the ladder this season.

Practices, which started Aug. 11, have been structured to figure out who will fit into the best positions and develop a style of play, which Byrd said changes every year dependent on the players. He described his new players as “very coachable” as they work out their new game model.

Leading the team will be senior Kai Golan, a three-time all-state player, and juniors Ethan Henjum and River Wolford. Golan will return as a second-year team captain after scoring a hat trick in the state championship finals last year, and his coach dubbed him the best player in the state. Byrd expects him to play a hand in sobering a young team and steering them towards another state title.

The team’s goals for the season are maintaining a high level of play with a fresh new team, while still having a fun, memorable experience. And, of course, keeping that state trophy in Columbia Falls.

“I think a lot of people in the state are counting us out,” Byrd said. “I think we’re going to turn some heads.”

The Wildcats open the season on the road against East Helena Friday, with their first home game on Aug. 29 versus Frenchtown. Gametime is 6 p.m.