The Dallas Morning News’ 2021 area boys soccer awards: Offensive, Defensive, Newcomer and Coach of the Year

Find more 2021 season awards from The Dallas Morning News at the end of this story.

Keller's Bryce Boneau.(Courtesy photo, staff illustration)

Offensive Player of the Year: Bryce Boneau

Senior Keller midfielder

Keller’s offense is about possession, head coach Jason Bates said, which means the center midfielder has to be someone who controls the midfield and understands when to penetrate, or get others involved. Senior Bryce Boneau, playing his first full season for Keller, excelled in the role. Boneau, a Notre Dame signee, had 18 goals and 19 assists in 19 games this season.

“He understands how to complete everything in the final third,” Bates said of Boneau, who helped lead Keller to the regional semifinals.

Boneau was also named a first-team all-state player and district MVP.

“He makes any team he plays on better … he’s a special kid,” Bates said.

Allen's Jackson Leavitt.(Stewart F. House, staff illustration)

Defensive Player of the Year: Jackson Leavitt

Senior Allen goalkeeper

The three-time district keeper of the year was a major reason Allen made it to the state semifinals this year. The Elon University pledge recorded 11 shutouts and allowed an average of 0.48 goals per game. He was also first-team all-state. Allen coach Kim Fullerton said Leavitt was like a coach on the field for the Eagles, organizing the back third and making key stops when he needed. He also said Leavitt was key in starting some offensive pushes and counters.

Fulerton said Leavitt also had the option to play for the U.S. Developmental Academy the last two years instead of high school, but chose to stick with Allen.

“We will miss him,” Fullerton said. “He’s been a stalwart for us.”

Sachse's Cooper Tea.(Courtesy photo, staff illustration)

Newcomer of the Year: Cooper Tea

Sophomore Sachse midfielder

Sachse coach Jacob Bruehl was in a pinch. Before the start of the year, one of Sachse’s best goal scorers decided to leave school and focus on playing soccer in Spain. It left a huge void, Bruehl said, but Cooper Tea filled it. Tea, a second-team all-region honoree and district newcomer of the year, finished the season with 15 goals and seven assists for a Sachse team that made it all the way to the regional semifinals.

“He stepped up, took that responsibility and kind of ran with it,” Bruehl said of Tea. “It was a pleasant surprise for us.”

Coach of the Year: Phil Duhon

Rockwall-Heath

Rockwall-Heath didn’t win any of its last seven regular season games. And if the team would’ve lost in a playoff tune-up against Richardson Pearce, and then lost in the first round of the playoffs, they would’ve finished with a losing record. Instead, Heath — a third seed out of district play — went on a run all the way to the 6A state championship game, becoming the first Rockwall ISD team to make it that far. Duhon said this year’s postseason success came down to belief. When he arrived at Rockwall-Heath three years ago, he told the players they’d become one of the best programs in the state. They believed him, and proved it this year.

“You guys give the coach of the year award,” he said, “but it’s really for the team of the year. I couldn’t do it without the players buying in. We’ve been building toward this season.”