Soccer
to have enough players for nearly a full 11-on11 scrimmage at each and every practice.
“That’s going to make a huge difference for us,” she explained. “It’s hard to hang with teams who can consistently put in fresh legs throughout the whole game.”
Oakwood will dive into the season with three seniors leading the way. Matthew McDonough will line up at sweeper, while he will be joined on the
back line by fullback Jacob Lewis. Up front, Austin Greco will fill in at a forward spot. McDonough and Lewis have been named the Eagles’ captains for the 2016 season.
“This will be the third year for the seniors with this program and they have grown immensely from basic skills to maturity level and being leaders for their team,” Garrison said.
A big junior contingent includes stopper John-Jacob McSpadden, fullback Noah Thornton, midfielders Madi Phillips, D.J.
Terry and Trevor Hobbs and forward J.J. Lanham.
Keeper Garrison Baggett will be back for another season in net, while the rest of the sophomores include fullback Tyler Epperson, stopper/sweeper Benjamin Fremen, midfielder Noah Permenter and forwards Cory Taylor and Benjamin Kelley.
Among the freshmen are keeper Preston Allen, fullback/stopper Naoki Gilchrist, fullback Thomas Buckles, and midfielder Andrew Phillips and Chase Lanham. Forward Ca- leb Epperson, an eighth grader, rounds out the roster.
“I think we’re going to be extremely competitive," Garrison said. "We have so much talent and it’s evenly dispersed throughout the different grade levels. Not one area of our team is weak. I have a solid defense and speed and scoring ability on my offensive end.”
As to be expected with a Christian-based sports program, Garrison says her team’s motivation will be based in Biblical Scripture.
“Our motivation will be based on three things — God first, team second and love of the game third,” she explained. “In 1 Corinthians 10:31, we’re told that ‘whatever you do, do all for the glory of God’. We’re wasting our time out here if we’re not giving our best to God and doing it for His glory. Secondly, we’re playing for our team. It’s not about individuals, it’s about working and playing together. It doesn’t matter who scores, it’s a team effort. And third — and this is personal — it’s how you feel about this game and what it means to you.”
She adds that hard work and playing as a team would be the keys to having a successful season.
“These kids have been out here since the first day of August with temperatures in the upper 90’s and they have consistently given me their best every single day,” she said proudly. “In just this short period of time, I’ve seen 21 kids of different ages and athletic abilities start to come together and play as a team and I really can’t wait to see what this season will bring.”