With pass-first play, this senior sets stage for P-Central’s climb to No. 1 ranking

PORTAGE, MI –– In a sport where goal scoring is king, Jayce Handley has no qualms with being a distributor and passing the rock.

In fact, he prefers it.

With a no-nonsense, pass-first approach, the senior midfielder has been one of the primary orchestrators for Portage Central boys soccer this fall –– elevating the Mustangs to a red-hot unbeaten start and the No. 1 ranking in Division 1.

“The best thing about him is that he keeps the game very simple and doesn’t try to do too much,” Portage Central coach Tim Halloran said. “He doesn’t have a problem passing the ball to someone who’s in a better position.

“He’s a pass first type of player.”

After coming off the bench last season, Handley isn’t just a starter in the midfield these days –– he’s a playmaker and a tone-setting for Central’