Power Ball
JACKSON TWP — Surrounded by great players, Beaux Lizewski was the engine that made Seneca Valley’s boys soccer team go.
The senior midfielder scored six goals and dished out 20 assists, while also excelling in his defensive duties that come with the position.
His play was indispensable in the Raiders’ 22-1-1 record this season, which was capped with a PIAA Class 4A championship with a dominating 6-0 win over Lower Merion Nov. 19.
“He had a hand in all six goals in that state title game,” said SV coach George Williams. “Each scoring sequence either began with him making a play on the ball or with him making the last touch before the goal was scored.
“He loves playing in the midfield. He likes being in the middle of everything and worked so well with the other players.”
Postseason accolades have come pouring in for Lizewski. They include district, state, region and All-American honors. He was a unanimous choice for Butler Eagle Boys Soccer Player of the Year.
“I appreciate this honor very much,” he said. “I love representing Seneca Valley and there was no better way to end my career than by winning the state championship.”
Last year, Lizewski totaled 11 goals and 19 assists.
He has the skill set to score more often, but relishes his role as a distributor.
“I feel it’s my job to set my teammates up and would rather see them score than score a goal myself,” Lizewski said. “I give them a lot of credit for finishing.”
And they finished quite often this season, many times after receiving the ball from Lizewski. SV featured five players who reached double digits in goals scored — Will Bruno, Cole Kamarec, Gavin Loya, Max Marcotte and Connor Oros. The quintet combined for 79 goals.
“It’s a great group of guys,” Lizewski said of his teammates. “We wanted to bring a legacy to Seneca Valley and in doing so, we built very strong bonds. We were able to show the creativity and connection we have on the field.”
Much of the chemistry and skill Lizewski and the Raiders possess comes from a drill in practice called “Dutch”.
“There’s three groups on the field at the same time and it’s all about possession,” he said. “The team with the ball tries to keep it away from the other two. It really helped to improve our technical game and we really got into it.”
The Raiders’ only loss of the season was a 1-0 setback to Pine-Richland in the WPIAL title game Nov. 5. Just three days later, they embarked on a state-playoff run that saw them outscore their four opponents by a combined score of 18-3.
“That loss ignited us,” said Lizewski. “It made us realize that we are beatable and we felt like we had something to prove.”
Lizewski was a mainstay in SV’s starting lineup since late in his freshman season in 2019. In his four years on the team, he helped the Raiders to a record of 74-7-4, three trips to the WPIAL title game (including two wins) and three straight appearances in the state title game (including two wins).
“Between WPIAL and states, no other player in program history has played in more championship games (six) than Beaux,” said Williams. “That’s quite a distinction.
“We had a lot of talented players, but we leaned on him the most.”
Lizewski has yet to decide where he will play soccer in college.
“My four seasons with Seneca Valley flew by,” he said. “All of the success we had, it’s a credit to the program and I was honored to play for Coach Williams and Coach (Jay) Roman.”
