A new season brought a new role for Sam Garza. The results didn't change as Marcus repeated as Class 5A boys champion.

After scoring a school-record 26 goals as a forward last year, Garza played mainly in the central midfield, where his main job was ball distribution.

"I had great players around me," Garza said. "I love scoring goals. It's my passion. But I like playing midfield, making assists [and] playmaking."

Those efforts were recognized at this year's Class 5A final when Marcus defeated Klein, 3-0. Although he didn't record a goal or assist, Garza was voted the game's MVP.

Garza was one of two returning starters from 2007's 30-0 state championship team. Garza left his mark on that title, getting the deciding goal in a shootout victory against Plano West in the final despite back spasms.

"The kid's a super talent," Marcus coach John Gall said. "The thing about Sam Garza is that he gives 100 percent. Sometimes with talented kids, they play on their terms. But he played on my terms and he played on his teammates' terms."

Notable: 14 goals, 10 assists

About Garza: He showed off his versatility when he played mainly central midfielder, a big change from last season when he was the go-to scorer at forward.

Did you know? Garza is one of four D-FW players (and five from Texas) who is signed with Denver.

Notable: 18 goals, 10 assists

About Anguey: Very involved in the offense and was voted District 12-4A MVP.

Did you know? Anguey, a political refugee from Sudan, has lived in the U.S. for three years.

Notable: The Colony, the third-place team out of District 14-4A, advanced to its first state tournament in the program's history.

About Bailey: He is stepping down after 15 seasons at The Colony to become an assistant golf coach at Flower Mound.

Did you know? Bailey won silver at the '87 state track meet (4x400).

Notable: 41 goals, 8 assists.

About Hill: Hill thrived in Coppell's three-forward set. He had 16 goals and 8 assists last year.

Did you know? Hill is Coppell's all-time leading scorer (60 goals).

Notable: 40 goals, 29 assists

About Funes: The District 8-5A MVP also won the FC Dallas Sueno MLS made-for-TV competition.

Did you know? Funes' twin brother, Jose, was voted 8-5A midfielder of the year.

Notable: 38 goals, 7 assists

About Bassan: The 6-5A MVP was dangerous in space and a strong finisher. The Brazil native played high school soccer for two seasons.

Did you know? "I'm going to miss my mom [Ligia] when I go off to college next year."

Notable: 14 goals, 8 assists

About Kalis: He played for Jesuit for two seasons after a year with the under-17 national residency program.

Did you know? Kalis is an avid reader. He enjoys fiction, particularly Tom Clancy novels.

Notable: 18 goals, 10 assists

About Nelson: Nelson, committed to SMU, has been an impact player since spending his freshman year with the under-17 national residency program.

Did you know? Nelson likes to cook. His specialty is chicken.

Notable: 30 goals, 15 assists

About Padilla: The four-time all-district selection is technically sound and has great vision.

Did you know? Padilla and teammate Austin Embry will play for Belmont.

Notable: 6 goals, 4 assists

About Dahlskog: Physical presence with great passing range.

Did you know? Dahlskog is a native of Sweden and has lived in the U.S. for three years. He has also lived in Argentina, Canada, Spain, Italy and Switzerland.

Notable: Team had 18 shutouts

About Cervantes: He was voted District 8-5A defensive MVP for the second straight time.

Did you know? Cervantes has been boxing since he was 10.

Notable: Team had 12 shutouts

About Roberts: The District 10-5A MVP led Rowlett to the regional semifinals for the first time in the program's history.

Did you know? Roberts has run the White Rock Marathon twice.

Notable: Team had 12 shutouts, 0.50 GAA

About Gerhart: The District 9-5A MVP was a tough one-on-one defender.

Did you know? Gerhart was captain for Allen and Andromeda '90, which won a national championship last summer.

Notable: 18 shutouts, 0.37 GAA

About Miller: Miller earned 7-5A defensive MVP in his first season as the full-time starter.

Did you know? Miller tutors and mentors each week at the Math/Science Technology Magnet school in the Richardson ISD.