A successful season can provide confidence.
For the Independence boys soccer team, it can also provide a measuring stick.
The Bulldogs enter the 2026 season looking to prove last year’s success was more than a one-season accomplishment. After finishing 13-4 in 2025 and winning their Southeast Kansas district, Independence has its sights set on taking another step forward.
The challenge is turning the lessons of last season into momentum for a new group.
Independence closed 2025 with seven consecutive victories during one stretch and finished 9-1 in district play. The Bulldogs eventually saw their season come to an end in the postseason, but the experience gave the program another taste of what it takes to compete when the stakes are highest.
Now, the Bulldogs have another opportunity.
There is plenty of talent returning for Independence. Harlin Bagley was a first team all-league selection last season, while Jordan Arcentales and Levi Dillon were second team all-league selections.
Independence knows what it is capable of after last season’s 13-win campaign. The next step is maintaining that level of consistency while finding ways to improve against the best teams on the schedule.
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