The grass is still yellowed and withered, but soon stubborn tufts of green will push their way past the dead decay of winter and bring our PHS teams into the full bloom of spring. One team specifically relishes the thought of the new crisp grass: Soccer. Spring is here and with spring arrives the ball dribbling, drill doing, goal making PHS soccer players. As cleats dig into the rich earth, players prepare precariously to pounce on the ball and propel the projectile past the keeper and into the goal.
Although the season at this point may seem dismal for the Panther ladies, with the scores being in low digits, if at all, the team is resilient. Junior Haley Harrison remarked, “Once we get everything together, it’ll be fine. We are a good team.” Good is right. Head Coach Brad Hammond surely expects for the season to pick up as time progresses. One member of the Lady Panther soccer team, sophomore Kimberly Moore, also mentioned that the weather has had an impact on the success so far. Apparently, the wind has been a major contributing factor for the players. “Scoring with the wind pushing the ball in the wrong direction doesn’t really help,” she pointed out.
On the other hand, the PHS boys’ soccer teams are off to a blistering start and have obliterated their competition twice already this in this young season. In a shocking 26-0 win, the boys turned Newcastle’s soccer program out in disgrace and then later shamed Torrington’s team with a 14-0 trouncing. While the season may still be in its early stages, the ball is definitely rolling. Since soccer isn’t a long season, in comparison to some other sports, as soon as the first game hits, the players won’t stop playing until the summer heat beats down on them full force. The boys’ Head Coach, Patrick D’Alessandro, is undoubtedly proud of his team and the momentum it seems to be acquiring.
Because there have been few matches this early in the season, it’s difficult to assess the potential of the teams. Competition varies in severity and degree, but our teams are powerful and committed to the game. Although there won’t be many opportunities to see the PHS soccer players in action before their home games later this spring, dedicated fans will always make their way to watch the power and grace of the players as they kick a ball into the goal, no matter how far they have to travel.
It is not certain exactly what is in store for the Powell High School soccer teams this season, but the future looks promising for all of the competitors. Success or failure is within grasp for both teams, but at this point there is no place to go but up in the state ranks. The team members have the dedication and commitment to take them to the top. The competition is tough, but with time and effort the PHS soccer players will achieve their goals. It is certain that they’ll be kicking grass all the way.