By STEPHANIE GARCIA
Defense remains strong
Football is underway, and the team is trying to gain more victories with a 1-3 record. In an effort to redeem themselves, the boys are now motivated to win their next home game against University on Oct. 13.
“The most challenging aspect of the game against University will be following all our assignments and taking control of the field with offense,” junior Tyrran Chanthavong said.
Their first game against Timber Creek was a challenge for the boys who failed to score any points, losing 0-14. They suffered another loss against Winter Park, 14-35. During the game against Edgewater, there were seven interceptions from the opposing team, and the boys lost again 19-28.
While offense is struggling to maintain the field, defense is giving strength to the team and improving with each game.
“Our team’s best quality is defense; we have made great plays, and we have one of a kind players,” Chanthavong said.
Chanthavong plays a variety of positions on both defense and offense ranging from place kicker to wide receiver. For him, the determination of defense and his three tackles were the highlights of the game against Edgewater.
Season brings new coach
The swimming season began with the introduction of a new face. Junior varsity assistant swimming coach Liz Havens enters her first season as coach this year.
“It’s as if I am reliving my swimming high school days. Only I don’t have to get wet this time,” Havens said.
Havens feels technique and repetition are just as important to swimming as sleep is. The new coach wants the team to continue to push themselves to perform well because Metros is just around the corner.
The swim team’s upcoming meet will be the FSPA Invitational at the YMCA Aquatic Center Oct. 8-9. One of the largest meets in the southeastern United States, the event attracts 2,000 high school students from over 70 teams across Florida.
Five meets into the season, The team has a 4-1 record. Their one loss has been against Olympia. Both girls and boys have won against top schools like West Orange and Bishop Moore. .
“I enjoy coaching for this team. They’re looking forward to qualifying for Metros and they are a good group of kids,” Havens said.
Girls anticipate rival game
With thirteen games under their belt, the junior varsity girls volleyball team has a record of 9-4. In the game against Edgewater, the girls won with a score of 3-0, and when they played Olympia the girls won again, 3-0.
To continue their winning streak, the girls are focusing on their strength of serves and defense to become fully prepared for the remainder of the season.
“I’m really looking forward to playing with these group of girls. As a team, we have a lot of talent and potential,” sophomore Emily Nusbickel said.
As a new player on junior varsity, Nusbickel admires her teammates’ trust in one another. The back row setter understands that trust is important on and off the court because it makes the team that much stronger.
The girls are also anticipating the upcoming rivalry game against Timber Creek on Oct. 25 and feel their challenge will be gaining ball control from the opposing team.
“We had a game against Timber Creek and lost. I really just want to prove that we can beat them,” Nusbickel said.