MDN/File Photo Minot’s Syrus Mayne blasts home a goal against Dickinson during last season’s campaign. Mayne, who will entering his senior season, will be a key player for the Magicians this year.

BISMARCK – Minot High’s boys’ soccer program will be the front runner in the West Region this year, as they look to win their third straight Western Dakota Association regular season and tournament titles. At least that’s the view of the coaches who placed the Magicians at the top of the 2023 WDA Preseason Boys’ Soccer Coaches’ Poll.

“There are a lot of really good teams in the West Region this year, so it’s an honor to be picked to finish first,” said Minot co-head coach Jordan Foley. “Despite losing some key seniors from last year, we’re still excited for the upcoming season. We have some young guys who are going to step up for us.”

Minot earned three first-place votes and 44 total points in the poll., four points better than Legacy. Jamestown was third with 33 points. Crosstown rivals Century and Bismarck High tied for fourth with 32 points apiece, while Mandan was ranked sixth, receiving 20 points.

Williston (13 points) and Dickinson (10 points) finished seventh and eighth respectively.

Legacy received three first-votes while Jamestown received two.

This year’s poll has few changes from the final standings from a year ago, with the main exception being the Jamestown Blue Jays who moved up two spots from their fifth-place finish. Century fell one position after finishing third in the region.

The poll is conducted by the WDA Sports Information Director and Executive Secretary Matt Mullaly. Teams received seven points for a first-place vote, six points for a second place, five points for third place, four points for fourth place, three points for fifth place, two points for sixth place and one point for seventh place. Coaches were prohibited from voting for their own team.

Minot opens their campaign this weekend when they will head to Grand Forks for a pair of games against East Region opponents. On Friday, Aug. 18, at 7 p.m., the Magicians will take on Grand Forks Red River, in a rematch from last year’s state quarterfinals that saw Minot advance with a 1-0 victory. Saturday will see them take on Grand Forks Central at noon.

The Magicians will open up WDA play at Jamestown on Tuesday, Aug. 22, at 7:30 p.m.