NATCHEZ — Cavin Skidmore was part of a small, unique group for the Cathedral varsity boys soccer team this year.

Skidmore was one of just three seniors, and one of the only two players with more than one year of experience.

But Skidmore and fellow senior Brent Gaudé helped lead Cathedral to their first undefeated season in their league since 2003. Although Cathedral lost in the first round of the MHSAA Class 1A playoffs against Resurrection Catholic Tuesday night, Skidmore said he was happy with what the team accomplished this season.

“It was tough losing nine seniors, but we worked well together as a team,” Skidmore said.

“We had a strong team offensively and defensively. All the way from the defense to the forwards, everyone connected well and really clicked.”

Skidmore also said the Green Wave’s smaller-than-usual roster may have played to their advantage.

“Last year we were kind of jumbled, because we had a lot of members on the team,” Skidmore said. “This year, we had 11 starters and just two to three subs. We were just all compatible, and good at what we do.”

Skidmore and Gaudé locked down the center midfield positions for the Green Wave, and head coach Rick Simons said the chemistry between the two made a big difference.

“They got along great,” Simons said. “They were the driving force for our season. When you have two people that move off of each other in midfield, it allows great things to happen.”

The teamwork between Gaudé and Skidmore dates back to when the two first started playing soccer together when they were young, Skidmore said.

“We’ve been playing together since we were 3-feet tall,” Skidmore said. “He’s my best friend since the first grade and my soccer buddy.

“Our coaches said we were the glue that held the team together, on offense and defense.”

Skidmore also credited newcomer Semmes White, the team’s only other senior, who stepped up despite not having played soccer before this season.

“It was just his first year, and he did really well for us,” Skidmore said.

The coaching staff also deserves a lot of credit for the Green Wave’s undefeated season in their region, Skidmore said.

“Coach Simons and coach (Paul) Burns both did an excellent job. You couldn’t ask for better coaches,” he said.

“They had us running a lot at the beginning of the season. It’s definitely worth it. They tell us that the team who can last the longest without being out of breath is the better team. He’s right.”

And Simons said he was glad to have coached both Skidmore and Gaudé.

“Cavin is an exceptional player. He’s well behaved and had a good eye for the field. I kind of wish he’d be here next year,” Simons said.

“Having Brent for five years and Cavin for four, they learned a lot, and I also learned a lot from them. They were both quality players.”