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The North Mecklenburg High School soccer team is used to winning.
From 2004 to 2007, the Vikings went 76-8-6 overall, including a remarkable 41-1 in ME-CA 7 conference play, winning all four conference titles. They also played in two state championship games (lost 2-1 in both 2005 and 2006) and one state semifinal (2007) in that span.
Last year the Vikings put together a respectable 12-6-2 season, including a 9-3 conference mark that left them one game out of first place. For most teams, it would be OK. For North Meck, it wasn't acceptable.
"Last year, we went through a lot of changes and felt the effects of a lot of things we couldn't control (including losing some players to Mallard Creek), but it was tough," said Paul Kikta, in his second season as head coach. "So it feels good to be back on top now. But we've still got a lot of work to do."
The Vikings, 15-4-2 overall, are back on top of their conference - this time, the new I-Meck in its first year - at 10-2, clinching the league title last week with 1-0 wins over Mooresville and archrival Hopewell. North Meck, ranked No. 13 in the state, is one of the hottest teams North Carolina, winners of nine straight games.
"We're definitely playing well at the right time of the year," Kikta said. "Now, we just have to carry our momentum into the (postseason)."
The Vikings haven't won easily, scoring only 32 goals in 19 games, including eight 1-0 victories in I-Meck play.
"Scoring has been something we have struggled with all year long," Kikta said.
But what it has lacked in scoring, North Meck has made up with a suffocating defense that has allowed only 14 goals in 19 games, and only one in each of its last nine games.
The main reason is solid back line that include twin brothers seniors John and Will Krentz and classmate Brad Deem as well as sophomore goalkeeper Jaron Bradley. Bradley has 10 shutouts in 19 starts this season.
"We know we are going to be in every game, because of our defense," Kikta said. "But we still need to be more consistent on the offense ... if we want to go deep in the playoffs."
Forward Patrick Harrow, who missed nearly a month with mononucleosis, hopes to help the offense with his return to the starting lineup. Harrow will look for help from Spencer Jackson and Jordan Markham, who are among the team leaders in goals.
"I think we are back to where we expect to be," Kikta said. "But we still have a lot that we want to accomplish. In the playoffs, you never know what is going to happen."
North Meck will begin its playoff quest this week, against either Providence or South Meck.
