In the first game of the season, both the boys and girls varsity soccer teams defeated Durant High School on Nov. 9 at Dad’s Stadium. After a successful 2020-21 season, the teams had high hopes going into their first game of the new year.   

“It felt great to win the first game of the season,” senior Hayden Judge said. “Going into the game, I wasn’t nervous, but rather more excited. I expected us to win the game and play well, which did happen.”

For the seniors on the team, the game was much more than a season opener. Senior Arden Friar expressed just how much this game meant to her.

“Seniors were very excited for our last first game,” Friar said. “We were a little nervous because our season started so late that we only had time to squeeze in a few practices before the game. It was important to win because it sets the tone for the season.”

The next game will be this Friday, Nov. 12, at home. The boys and girls teams will be playing against Newsome High School.

“For our first game, the team as a whole had a solid performance,” senior Hunter Jones said. “We do have areas to improve on, but that will come with time. Next game, we are hoping to finish more chances and keep a clean sheet defensively.”

Although the pressure was high throughout the game, the girls’ team was able to win with a score of 5-4. Sophomore Jolie Farmer scored four goals for the team, helping facilitate the win.

“It felt great to score,” Farmer said. “The whole team puts in so much work, so I am glad to be able to help show that in our record. Scoring goals always has a huge change in our momentum. It really gives us something to work for.”

The boys were able to defeat Durant in a close game, winning with a score of 3-2. The team has expressed confidence in their abilities for the rest of the season.   

“This win has gotten the nerves out of our systems,” Judge said. “It was closer than we would have liked, but a win is a win. It was the first step to having a successful season.” 

On Jan. 7 and Jan. 11, the girls and boys soccer team commemorated their seniors with a senior night ceremony.   

The boys team played a rivalry game against Robinson on Jan. 11 and won, 4-1.   

“Playing Robinson for our senior night was a really fun rivalry game,” senior Otis Wildman said. “We had some pretty amazing goals. My favorite moment from senior night was when our center back Julian scored a crazy 40-yard goal to put us up 2-1.”

The girls team played against Jefferson and mercy-ruled in the first half of the game, winning 9-0. The senior night ceremony took place after the win.   

“I was really excited for the ceremony,” senior Lilly Daxon said. “I remember watching the seniors last year for flag football, so to actually do it this year was exciting and definitely memorable.”   

Senior Athena Skafidas has been on the team since freshman year. Skafidas shared that she is fond of the memories she has made on the team.

“My favorite memory was the bus ride home after winning quarterfinals my junior year,” Skafidas said. “Also delivering secret Santa presents.” 

Gallery • 5 Photos

Sophia Gray

Stealing the ball, senior Otis Wildman dribbles past two Robinson players. Wildman recently won player of the game and has been a part of this team for four years now, contributing to their success.

The boys’ soccer team ended their season Saturday, Feb. 26, losing to Cypress Bay 4-1.  

The team lost in the state final, ending their season with a 22-4-1 record.  

“Going into the second year of states was really exciting mainly because it usually doesn’t happen to teams, and it’s a really enjoyable experience,” junior Adan McGlynn said. “Even though we lost, it was a great feeling to be there again.”   

For the 14 seniors on the team, this season marks the end of their high school soccer careers. Several of them have been on the team for four years, starting as freshmen.   

“Playing on the team has been so much fun over the last four years,” senior Hunter Jones said. “From freshman to senior, Plant soccer has brought me so many memories and good times. We became a family, and I will reminisce on the time I spent with the team on and off the field.”  

The sibling pair, senior Joe Anderson and junior Will Anderson built the team up, working together to help the team reach its full potential.  

“I loved and enjoyed playing with my brother on the team,” Will Anderson said. “He made the experience more fun and definitely more meaningful. One of my favorite memories with him was when I got tackled, and Joe ran over and tackled the kid that did it to me.”  

Senior Otis Wildman said he was fond of the season and the memories he made. Since his freshman year, Wildman has been on the team, making it to the state final in the last 2 years.  

“This season has meant more to me than any other season in my four years at Plant,” Wildman said. “Even though we couldn’t achieve the result we wanted, this season was probably the most fun I’ve had playing soccer in my entire life. The experience of playing with my friends from freshman year and making a run at the state title is something I’ll never forget. The memories I’ve made with this team will stick with me for life. This season has allowed me to create bonds with people that will last a lifetime. The highs and lows we all experienced together made us brothers. In the end, it was the journey that mattered and not the result. I’ll always remember this season as the highlight of my time in high school.”  

The team has made Plant soccer history, making it to the state final two years in a row.   

“The nerves and feelings that I get when playing these games was something that I loved and will miss,” Joe Anderson said. “Plant soccer was special because of the bond we had and our love for each other. We really connected and were like brothers. This team made the journey something to remember, and I am so proud of what we accomplished.”