Justice, Gutierrez earn superlative awards on all-district soccer squad

Bastrop striker Cayden Justice (left) was selected as the offensive player by District 24-5A coaches

By Jim Irish

Photos by Chris White

Bastrop High School boys soccer team completed a record season, finishing second in District 24-5A and then embarking on a journey to the region semifinals.

The Bears were 6-1-4 in district; their only loss came against district champion Liberal Arts & Science Academy. One district match at Navarro 

was stopped and not counted because of fighting.

Two Bastrop athletes, Cayden Justice and Franklin Gutierrez, achieved superlative status in voting recently by district coaches. Non-district matches were not counted in the selection process.

"Cayden really blossomed in that position."

-- Bastrop coach speaking about Cayden Justice at striker

Justice, a junior striker, was selected the offensive MVP. In district, he scored six goals and added six assists. Justice was shifted from winger to striker this season.

Bastrop coach Greg Vuagniaux labels the striker as the “target” position because it involves playing more with your back to the goal. He’s a natural goal scorer.

”Cayden really blossomed in that position,” Vuagniaux said. “We played central to him and through him. A lot of our penalty kicks were fouls on him.”

Freshman Frank Gutierrez was voted newcomer of the year in district

George Hourahan, the Clear Creek coach, said Justice has an “engine that is always running.” Bastrop lost to Clear Creek 3-2 in the region semifinals.

Gutierrez, a freshman midfielder, was chosen as newcomer of the year and was a unanimous selection Vuagniaux said Gutierrez was the only freshman on the newcomer list. He scored four goals and had four assists.

Gutierrez combined with Isaac Velasquez and Anthony Reyes to create an all-freshmen midfield.

”There’s a really bright future for the three freshmen,” Vuagniaux said. “They did an incredible job this year. They’ve been an important part of our success.”

Ezra Gaona, a senior goalkeeper and four-year athlete, was selected to the first-team. He barely missed being named the top goalkeeper or “Golden Gloves” award.

Gaona and the LASA goalkeeper each had seven shutouts in district, but the LASA athlete allowed one fewer goal.

Gaona will attend college in Manchester, England and play for a local professional soccer team.

"He had an opportunity (overseas) and took it. It's a dream, and he's fulfilling it."

-- Vuagniaux about Ezra Gaona

“Ezra’s a bright kid,” Vuagniaux said. “He understands the process of how things work. He’s going to do his research and see what’s out there. He had an opportunity (overseas) and took it. It’s a dream, and he’s fulfilling it.”

Also chosen to the first team was center back Andres Carbajal. He scored one goal and made one assist. Only a sophomore, he was voted a team captain by his teammates.

"... He's speaking for the team, not himself. The kids look up to that. They understand that this program needs a leader like Andy."

-- Vuagniaux speaking about Andres Carbajal as a captain

"A lot of (being voted captain) has to do with his actions,” Vuagniaux said about Carbajal. "He shows up for weight training. He shows up on time for training. He’s always putting forth the effort. He’s speaking for the team, not himself. The kids look up to that. They understand that this program needs a leader like Andy.”

Andres Carbajal (center) was chosen first team at center back

Second-team picks were winger Aaron Arellano, winger Angel Chavez Hernandez, and center back Damian Acosta.

Arrelano scored five goals with four assists in district. He plans to play in college next season. Vuagniaux played him at right wing because he’s left-footed and “likes to cut in and have that shot on the left foot.”

"(Arrelano) loves the game, very passionate,” Vuagniaux added. "He would play in his sleep if he could.

Chavez Hernandez, a 6-foot-1 sophomore, scored five goals with two assists.

Vuagniaux said Hernandez had dynamic runs against Clear Creek.

"He’s creative on the ball,” Vuagniaux said. "Very confident, really good ball skills. He has a good motor.”

Acosta, a senior center back, started for the first time this season.

Bastrop goalkeeper Ezra Gaona (99) made first team and barely missed MVP at his position

"(Acosta) has a great story,” Vuagniaux said. “Most of his time was spent developing on the JV level. Last year, he wanted more playing time but wasn’t ready. He worked his tail off during the summer and the fall season and was determined to make the starting lineup. He had to earn it. He did a fabulous job.”

Isaac Dugger, a senior midfielder and substitute for the three freshmen, was named honorable mention.

Bastrop returns six starters next season

With six players returning next season, the future looks bright for Bastrop.

”It’s very promising,” Vuagniaux said. “Our JV guys did a fabulous job this year. Soccer is the sport taking off. The kids love the game.”

Jim Irish is a freelance writer in Bastrop, Texas