Going into the 2014 boys soccer season, Durango High School had reason to be excited about the addition of star freshman Elijah Fenton. He scored 16 goals and recorded seven assists in his debut season with the Demons, and the team improved along with him the following two years.
Now, in his senior season at DHS, Fenton will look to lead the program on one more postseason run before he leaves for college.
“I’ve only experienced us get better each season,” Fenton said. “It’s definitely the goal to do that again this year. We want to get to the state final and win it.”
Last season, Durango went 17-2 and reached the state semifinals before losing 5-0 to The Classical Academy of Monument. The Classical Academy Titans went on to win the state title in a 7-1 victory against Battle Mountain.
Though the Demons team is younger in 2017, Fenton and a group of five other seniors are determined to get back to that stage and take the next step.
“With less seniors, it makes each senior more important,” Fenton said. “We’re definitely using last year’s loss as some fuel. We lost to a really good team, but it showed us how good a team can be and what they had that we didn’t.”
Fenton will once again be a key piece to the Demons’ success. He has amassed 40 goals already in his high school career with one in the team’s 5-1 season-opening win against Overland last Saturday. He also has 36 assists, making him an invaluable asset in the midfield. His ability is one reason the Demons ranked second in The Denver Post’s preseason poll and fourth in the preseason rankings from CHSAA.
“Eli’s growth has been amazing,” said DHS head coach Dalon Parker. “We didn’t think he could grow any more athletically, but he has. He’s also grown from a standpoint of knowing his role and what he’s capable of doing and knowing what needs to be done for us to win.”
Fenton has moved to an outside midfielder role this year after two years as the team’s center mid. His freshman season, Fenton was a forward. Changing positions is nothing new for Fenton, who plays on the defensive backline for his club team, the Rio Rapids of Albuquerque.
“It’s important for soccer players to be skilled in all positions,” Fenton said. “I’ve played every position in New Mexico. It made me well-rounded, and I can understand and help my teammates playing those positions because of it.”
Fenton’s club team has led him to big tournaments across the western region the last four years. The Rio Rapids have won the state cup the last three years to qualify for regionals, which this year were held in Seattle. Fenton has played with the Rapids against international competition at the Surf Cup in San Diego and the Dallas Cup twice.
The son of Mike and Wendy Fenton also spent time with the New Mexico Olympic Developmental Team the last four years. He has been invited to the regional camp three of the four years and made the Region IV team twice, allowing him to play other regional teams in Florida. He was one of the few players in New Mexico selected over the past four years.
“The different experiences have been great,” Fenton said. “It’s always nice when you get new coaching and see new high-level players. It’s given me a bunch of tools to be successful.”
Fenton’s tool box is growing, as is his trophy case. Last year he earned All-State awards from CHSAA and The Denver Post. He has made the All-5A/4A Southwestern League First Team all three years, including player of the year honors as a sophomore.
He hasn’t committed to a college team yet and said he is looking for a good college experience paired with a competitive team to join. First comes the unfinished business of leading the Demons back to the state tournament.
“Eli wants to win,” Parker said. “He’s a big team player, and he’s the kind of player who wants to be involved. He has God-given ability, and it will be up to him at that next level to see how far he goes.”
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
Behind the scenes
What is your favorite pre-game meal?: Spaghetti
What music artist do you listen to before games?: Kendrick Lamar
Who is your favorite athlete?: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, forward for Borussia Dortmund in Germany
Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?: Right now I would say Ronaldo
What is your favorite outdoor activity?: Tubing the river
If you could take a vacation after this season, where would you go?: The Bahamas
What is your dream car?: A Lamborghini
If you could have any superpower, what would you pick?: To be able to fly
What teacher has had the greatest impact on your life?: I’d go way back kindergarten and third grade to Mr. Honold at Riverview Elementary
