Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Our lady Braves volleyball team has had a tough season so far. Although their record, with only one win under their belt, does not reflect the hard work they put forth, they have improved greatly from last year. With a varsity team consisting of 8 returning players, 7 of which are seniors, and 4 new comers, it is still a work in progress for them.

One of our own who has played on the volleyball team since her freshman year, Lani Stevenson, says that "we've had our ups and downs this year but overall this season has been the most exciting." The girls have developed a close relationship so far, and continue improving their skills.

The team had an important fundraiser game on October 8th, against the Paxon Eagles, to raise money for breast cancer awareness. Thanks to all the fans and help we had for this game, and to Parker Passion's performance in between J.V. and Varsity games. Twenty-five percent of all profits made will be given to Breast Cancer Funds, and the rest will be for the team to develop with. Senior night is also set for October 14th, where our seniors hard work and dedication this year, and previous years, will be recognized.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Our Braves continue their football season with a 3-1 record . Although we opened with an 0-1 season against Lee, we recovered from 16-0 at halftime, and ended the game with a score of 13-16. Our second game was a win against the Englewood Rams 48-12. It was a well fought game by both teams. We had a great end result, rushing almost 500 yards and had three touchdowns alone scored by Antonio Baker.

Our third week of the season was against the Forest Rebels. It was a tough game to play in, considering a majority of the game it was pouring down rain. Our Braves held up a strong fight however, and finished the game with 28-7 as the final score. We were able to continue this season with a fantastic 25-21 win against the Columbia County Tigers. This has always been a big rivalry for our Braves. The game was a much deserved defeat since the Tigers beat us last year on their turf.

The tightest game thus far in the season was versus Wolfson, on their own homecoming night. We sent them home after double overtime, with one more loss to their schedule. With the beginning of the first overtime, we lossed the coin toss and had the ball first. We ended up scoring a touchdown, ensuring we weren't going home with a loss just yet. Wolfson repeated our action, and also scored on this run, leading us into double overtime. Wolfson had the ball first this time, and kicked a field goal, underestimating our skills. Now it was fourth down for us, with the last chance to prove ourselves tonight. It was a controversial issue between the coaches and players whether to just kick a field goal and go into triple overtime or to actually ntry for a touchdown at this point. Sam Barrington carried the ball into the end zone, dropping it, and luckily having teammate Mike Jeune right behind him to assure the touchdown.

One of our own linebackers and running backs here at Parker, Sam Barrington, has qualified for the Super 11. This means that he is the top eleven players in the Jacksonville area. Sam has already had scholarship oppurtunities offered to him from schools such as South Florida, Central Florida, Clemson, South Carolina, and others as well. Good luck to all our Braves this season as they continue with success.