Pleasant surprise might be an understatement when describing the development arcs of Kouts sophomore soccer players Jordan Greavu and Stuart Price.
In four games, the pair of forwards have combined for 15 goals and 15 assists.
"I definitely saw myself as being a cut when I started," said Greavu, whose dealt with two groin injuries in his prep career. "I had to step up and put in the effort."
Price has played every position except goalie in his two seasons. Last season, he spent his time at midfield and defense.
He's already surpassed his scoring stats from a year ago.
"They've both made great strides," Kouts coach Robert Dowhen said.
"Jordan is very coachable. He started with injuries and little skill. We've spent two summers working together and his yearning to learn has been his biggest asset.
"Stuart just has a great ability to adapt. He can play any style of game and almost any position."
Lately, both players have been asked to adapt to a new situation. Dowhen expected the duo would step up next year to fill the void up front left by the pending graduation of senior leading scorer Syd Robertson, who totaled eight goals and five assists in the Mustangs' first two games. That learning curve was accelerated when Robertson suffered an ankle injury in 6-1 Monday loss to Hanover Central.
Dowhen said that Robertson could miss a week or more, based on the severity of the injury.
"The team's first thought was 'Oh'", Dowhen said, "but then players started talking about having players like Stuart and Jordan there for leadership."
Dowhen has faith his sophomore duo is up to the task. Greavu had three goals and two assists, while Price added a goal and two assists in Wednesday's 5-0 win over Hebron.
"This is just a challenge for them," Dowhen said. "Those guys have made great strides, and I have confidence in them."
What's just as important is that both players feel ready to accept their changing role.
"We know we can still find a way to score," Price said.
"We'll just have to step up," Greavu added. "We're very comfortable up front, and we've been able to work pretty well together. We can continue to play stronger."
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