Excelsior Springs has some big shoes to fill in varsity boys soccer. Two of those shoes were filled by Ethan Edwards. Edwards, who graduated in May, helped the Tigers place third in the Class 2 state tournament and finish 19-6. “Ethan Edwards was one of the best defenders we’ve ever had in the program,” coach Zac Ganzer said. The senior tandem of Brendan Blackburn and Colby Mueller will look to solidify the defense Edwards anchored. “Colby is one (player) who did a great job, but was just overshadowed last year,” Ganzer said. “Blackburn is a player who is quick and supercompetitive who is great in space.” Sophomores Deagan Barber and Grayson Grove also will be called on to step up defensively. Barber will look to control the left-back side, with Grove handling the right-back side. Senior Braxton Moffett will be back in goal after an all-state performance in 2021...