King midfielder sees big picture

There's a new sense of optimism around King High School's boys soccer program, thanks in no small part to the player whose vision helped the team to an impressive start this season.

Midfielder Steven Scrivens is that player, who after finishing with seven goals a season ago already had five goals in the Lions' first three games this season. But Scrivens' scoring only partly demonstrates what he brings to the King squad.

"He has that good vision, field vision, field awareness," Lions coach Chris Lewis said. "Not every player has it; a lot of players get the ball at their feet, and all they can see is the ball at their feet. He sees the field, the other 10 guys on his team, and all 11 opponents."

Scrivens says he grew up as a student of the game. He credits that experience for his ability to read the field action and make passes that lead to chances for him and his teammates.

"Just watching the game my whole life," Scrivens said. "Ever since I was born, I've been watching the game, getting used to everything."

Soccer is the only sport Scrivens has played competitively. Born and raised in Tampa, he thinks the local soccer community has helped him maintain his interest and love for the game.

"It's always been fun," Scrivens said. "They have a real appreciation for soccer here that everybody can understand. Everybody loves it. It kept me loving the game and kept me with if for my life. I've never lost the passion for it."

Lewis has an appreciation for what Scrivens brings to his team, and for the partnership he has developed with fellow central midfielder Evan Vickers.

"It's a beautiful dynamic; it absolutely is," Lewis said.

"With a Scrivens, you have a lot going for you."

Not that the Lions are a one-man gang. In addition to Vickers, forward Josh Davis shows excellent instincts with and without the ball. The wide play of Craig Moxley and Aabid Allibhai make the Lions an exciting team to watch when they go forward, and goakeeper Chris Garcia is a solid presence in net. The way the side has developed under Lewis, now in his fourth year at King, has Scrivens and the Lions aiming high in their goals for the season.

"We're very confident," Scrivens said. "We want to make it to state, get through the season as far as we can, as best we can, just dominate everything we can."