By Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
The Prattville Lions soccer team finished the 2025 season with a record of 18-4-1. They were ranked #3 in Class 7A in the final post-season poll. The Lions defeated Hoover in the 1st round of the Class 7A playoffs and fell on the road to nationally ranked Oak Mountain in the Elite 8.
The Lions had a record eight players to sign college scholarships on signing day.
Porter Sutton, Ben Green, Adam Green, and Bryce Espinola all signed with Southern Union Community College
Ben Green was recently named 1st Team Super All-State, made up from teams of all classifications. Adam Green was named to Class 7A 1st Team.
Sutton and Espinola explained why they chose Southern Union and discussed their goals.
“I picked Southern Union because it felt welcoming and a good fit for my future soccer desires,” said Sutton. “After Southern Union, I plan to transfer to a four-year college to continue my soccer career in the NCAA level and get a degree in project management.”
“I chose Southern Union for multiple reasons,” said Espinola. “I think JUCO is a great opportunity to get college level experience on the field. I really like the Auburn/Opelika area. The SU coach put in the effort to stay in touch with me during recruitment, and I have several teammates who will be going as well. My goal for college is to maintain a good GPA and put in the work and effort to ultimately move on to a four-year university.”
Levi Smith and Isaiah Mayers signed with Earlham College in Indiana
“I chose Earlham College because it was a smaller school with a very personal feeling and a high emphasis on making sure I can be the best student and athlete I can,” said Smith. “My college goals are to graduate with a degree in environmental science and make a big impact while I play for Earlham’s soccer team.”
Smith was named Class 7A 2nd Team All-State.
Richard Byard signed with Dean College in Massachusetts
“I chose Dean because of the coaching staff and their sports business connections in the city of Boston,” said Byard. “They’ve just appointed a new coach and I love the idea of being a part of a rebuild for the program. My goal as a freshman is to earn a starting spot on the team. With my work ethic and discipline, I know it’s achievable.”
Byard was named Class 7A Honorable Mention All-State.
Devin Woods signed with Pensacola Christian College
“I chose my college because it allows me to be closer with my dad, play in my home state, and be closer with God,” said Woods. “My college goals are to be a great student-athlete and learn to become a successful CNC programmer.”
