First Colonial boys soccer team is a well-oiled machine
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Led by coaches Justin 鈥淛uice鈥� Pantophlet and Clifford Weddle, the First Colonial High School (FC) boys varsity soccer team has much to be proud of. They have won two regional titles in the past four years and a state title last year. Now, with the new season in play, the boys are back and eager to regain the state title. Their preseason ranking put them at fifth in the state, and they want to surpass that. Their bigger goal this season, however, is to win every single game.
Captain Garrett Hodges credits the coach and captain leadership and the close team relationship for their success. 鈥淪occer is a sport where cohesion and communication are major aspects,鈥� Hodges said. Everyone must know what to do and where to go in order to make it all work together.
Along with Hodges, co-captains Caleb Jones, Adam Smithson and Noah Kephart are the communicators on the field, responsible for making sure the team is a well-oiled machine. Indeed, there鈥檚 never a quiet moment when the FC boys are playing.
The team learns a great deal from their talented coaches. Indeed, Coach Juice was awarded region 5A Coach of the Year. The team calls him a tactical mastermind who always puts in the hours to make sure they are prepared for every opponent. 鈥淲e are so grateful he鈥檚 here at FC,鈥� says Hodges.
Before games, the boys all get warmed up and huddle together in silence to lock in their goals and get ready for competition. The boys take the games very seriously but keep it fun with little dances and cheers. 鈥淥ur team is truly like a family,鈥� says Hodges, 鈥渨e welcome every new member with open arms.鈥�
Just as a family would, they celebrate individual achievements. Graduate Zach Wagner scored the fastest goal ever in the Virginia High School League鈥檚 history in their 2021 regional quarter final. Another graduate, Owen Ruddy, was awarded the All-Tidewater Soccer Player of the Year award. For this season, both current and former players are eager to see how much higher the team can climb.
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