Gus Garcia, Whitehall's former head coach who will not be coming back to the program next year, was convinced Whitehall would have made the District 11 Class 3A playoffs this past fall. But the Zephyrs lost out in the end to a recurring theme of falling short in many ways throughout the season.

Whitehall dropped its final two regular season games to finish with an overall 8-9-1 record, missing the playoffs by one win. The Zephyrs made districts for the first time in more than 10 years last season and were eliminated in the first round after they posted an 8-9-2 overall record.

The Zephyrs began this season with two non-league wins before they descended on a five-game losing streak against teams from the Lehigh Valley Conference.

But the Zephyrs responded by losing just one of their next four games. They ended the year with a sporadic spurt that ended with a two-game losing streak.

"We missed (districts) by one goal," said Garcia prior to his dismissal, and referring to his team's final game in which they lost to Schuylkill Haven, 3-2. "Overall, we played well. Throughout the season, we played well in the middle of the field and missed some opportunities up front and in the back. But I was really happy in the way we played in all but two of our games.

"I foresaw us getting into districts and having a great shot at getting to the semifinals. It is disappointing for all of us because I know the boys really played well at all times.

"We were right there in so many games, but in too many we just couldn't get over the hump."

Whitehall will lose six seniors, but they will return a unit that should be able to make an impact from the start of the season. Junior Brian Heckman, who led the team with 11 goals will be among those returning next season.

Sophomore goalies Chase Missmer,who saw the bulk of the action, along with Aaron Sierra will both be back in the net.