By RANDY GONZALES

rgonzales@dailynews.net

Long a defensive-minded coach, Chris Michaelis used a 4-4-2 alignment for much of his time as the boys' soccer coach at Hays High School.

In recent seasons, however, Michaelis eschewed the 4-4-2 in favor of an extra forward. Michaelis has ditched the 3-4-3 this year, going back to the 4-4-2.

"Just to change things up," said Michaelis, whose team opens the season Monday at Garden City. "I think change is good.

"We are going to put a little bit more pressure on our scoring. We have to be aware of that, and focus on that. ..." he added.

Senior forward Devin Schmidt, who led Hays High with eight goals last year, will start up top with junior newcomer Soriba Camara.

Camara is a native of Guinea, a country in West Africa. Michaelis said Camara moved from Maryland to Victoria, where his cousin lived and played soccer at Barton County Community College.

"His cousin said come on out to Hays, America, to go to school and play soccer," Michaelis said.

The 6-foot-2 Camara will use his height to his advantage, Michaelis said.

"He's got some pretty good ball skills," Michaelis said. "Probably one of our better players in the air. He's going to win a lot of balls for us up front."

Schmidt has improved his shooting technique, Michaelis said.

"His shooting is getting a lot more accurate and a lot more balls on frame," Michaelis said.

Freshman Jordan Windholz also will see time at forward, as could sophomore Daniel Bittel. Senior Trey Herman could be there, too, but Michaelis prefers to keep Herman in the midfield.

Herman will start at center mid with senior Caden Junk.

"Playing box-to-box is not going to be an issue for these kids at center mid," Michaelis said. "The concern I have right now -- and it's still early season -- is our decision-making. When we need to go; when we need to slow things down," he added.

One outside mid will be sophomore Ethan Fort; Michaelis was unsure who would start as the other outside midfielder. Possibilities include junior Gustavo Reyes, sophomore Sergio Dolpher and Bittel.

Michaelis will go with a sweeper-stopper combination on defense, with junior Tanner Staab at sweeper and sophomore Kellen Griffin at stopper.

"Tanner really came on a lot last year. His mental understanding of the game is phenomenal," Michaelis said. "(Griffin) is another one of those kids who understands the game."

The outside backs on defense will be seniors Chandler Schmidt and Trey Lynd. Bittel and junior Shane Sulzman also will see time on the back line.

Junior Hunter Wilkens was a first-year starter at goalkeeper last season. He was being challenged in camp for the starting job by last year's backup, sophomore Josh Johnson.

"Hunter was our starting keeper last year; he was OK, but I have not made a decision on starting goalkeeper," Michaelis said. "It's even closer this year than last year."

Last season, Hays High got off to a 4-0 start, best in program history. But the Indians went 1-5-1 down the stretch to finish 7-8-2.

"The biggest question right now in my mind is how well we come together," Michaelis said.

"Last year, we started out really well -- 4-0 -- and then we fell apart."

The Indians will entertain Salina Central at 4 p.m. Thursday in HHS' home opener.