The Marathon High School boys soccer team hits the ground running Tuesday with its regular-season opener against two-time defending district champion Westminster Christian School.</p><p>The Dolphins lost to the Warriors three times last year, including a 2-0 district tournament loss in January that ended their season. Coach Jim Murphy said beating Westminster will be a tall order, especially with four players still in the midst of football season.</p><p>"They were a lot bigger than us and they were fast. Right now we're looking even smaller than last year, so we don't size up the greatest against them. But we have some skilled players that can compete and we're looking better against our district opponents than we were the last two years," Murphy said.</p><p>Murphy's been patching practice together this fall, with just 10 varsity players available. Last year's team graduated an astounding 16 seniors.</p><p>"I basically am bringing back seven starters from last year," Murphy said. "Just like every year, these first few games are going to be preparations for the long haul of the season. Even though it's not preseason, we have a few kinks to work out until we get everyone from football and get on a normal practice schedule."</p><p>The good news, Murphy said, is that many of those available are already in excellent condition. That includes junior Manny Perez, freshman Riley Durkin and brothers Ricky and Marco Ceja.</p><p>"They put the dedication in and ran cross-country and are in good shape for soccer season," said Murphy, who also coaches cross country.</p><p>Another key component will be senior forward Matt DeFillips, who's received a scholarship to play soccer next year at Delta State University in Mississippi. He's also the place kicker for the Dolphins football team.</p><p>"He's gotten a lot stronger in his play; he's moving a lot quicker," Murphy said. "Practicing with Key West's team all summer did him a lot of good."</p><p>Tuesday's game against Westminster is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Marathon Community Park.