As they prepare to face Southern Indiana rival Bedford-North Lawrence this Saturday, the Jeffersonville Red Devils come off a 7-0 win against Jennings County last weekend, and a tough 3-2 loss against the Male High School Bulldogs on Tuesday night.
The first half of last night’s Male game resulted in no points scored on either team. The second half started out with a goal for Jeff, scored by junior Alan Soloranzo Lopez, then a second goal for Jeff scored by junior halfback Bryan Juarez De La Luz.
“I think the team could’ve been more active; during the second half we could’ve shown more energy and fighting spirit against Male,” said Juarez.
The team is optimistic about Saturday’s game against BNL.
“We’re going to have a good time. This team is different from other Jeff teams in the past; we’re going to learn from our mistakes and hopefully take home a victory against BNL, ” said Juarez.
Jeff still remains in second place in the Hoosier Hills Conference with a 3-1 HHC record and a 8-3-1 overall record. This Saturday the Devils travel to Bedford-North Lawrence to face off against the Stars.
All photos by Parker McCloskey and Malachi Conrad.
Junior Bryan Juarez De La Luz dribbles the ball in the Red Devil game against Jennings County on Saturday, Sept. 13. JHS won 7-0. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Senior Victor Tenev defends the ball against an opposing Jennings County player. Photo by Parker McCloskey. Senior Elijah Cheeks runs near an out-of-bounds ball during Saturday’s Jennings County game. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Junior Kevyn Santiago Cortes performs a penalty kick during the 7-0 win against Jennings County on Saturday, Sept. 13. Photo by Parker McCloskey. Junior Xavier Santiago Cortes performs a corner kick towards midfield in the Jennings County game. Photo by Parker McCloskey. The Red Devils huddle together before the second half of Saturday’s Jennings County game. JHS won 7-0. Photo by Parker McCloskey.The Red Devils line up for the national anthem during Tuesday’s game against Male High School. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Senior Shlomo Tshimbalanga strikes the ball in between two Male High School defenders. Photo By Malachi Conrad.Senior Schlomo Tshimbalanga defends the ball against his Male opponent on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Junior Cortlin Merkley prepares for the next play during the first half of the JHS game against the Male Bulldogs. Photo by Malachi Conrad. Junior Alan Soloranzo Lopez kicks the ball during the Male High School game. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Senior Shlomo Tshimbalanga runs with the ball during the JHS game against Male High School. Photo By Malachi ConradSenior Victor Tenev gives his halftime speech to the rest of the team during the Male game. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Senior Elijah Cheeks listens to Coach Colin Bell’s halftime talk during the Red Devils’ game against Male High School Tuesday night, Sept.16. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Senior Elijah Cheeks leaps over his Male High School opponent to chase the ball. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Head coach Colin Bell instructs the varsity soccer team at halftime of Tuesday night’s game against Male. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
Freshman College and Careers teacher Mike Moody, sitting on an empty desk, somehow finding a way to relate sports to college and careers class. Engaging every student with his words of wisdom on playing in a sports team:
“You have practice everyday after school, and you had matches, games, that took up a lot of time and you had to be efficient to get your stuff done as quick as you can, otherwise you’re getting home at 8, 9, 10, 11 o’clock at night, and you got homework to do, then you have to get it done.”
Graphic by Cherish Brown.
And even though the year has just started, he’s already made a good impression on the students. Or, as good as you can get with freshmen.
“He’s kind of like my dad, like the way he talks is like specifically like my father. It’s very, like, unnerving actually at times, but very clear speaker, pretty fair, not bad.I don’t really have anything against him, so, pretty fair. Very, just teacher, very, very, funny man, surprisingly,” said freshman Riley Thompson.
He’s actually used to being around first-year high school students. According to Moody, he was a freshman counselor for two years before becoming a teacher.
“Being a counselor, I have students still come to me that have situations going on, but still with that same confidentiality that you have with the actual counselors,” stated Moody. ”I still have my school counseling license, and almost anything that we would discuss, it’s confidential between us.”
Now, even though Moody said he likes being in the classroom better, he is still able to help and connect with students in many ways.
“Sometimes it’s relationship problems, situations that students had at home or helping them get the assistance that they need to get better grades,” Moody said.
He also played sports as a kid, which helps him connect in other ways as well.
“It’s a good way of breaking the ice; it’s also, like I said in class — I use sports analogies, or I say, this situation, and this is how it relates to this, and how this relates to that,” Moody stated.
The class he chose to teach — college and careers — also helps students by teaching them how having and finding a job in the future would work.
“College and careers is giving students an opportunity that we did not have in school, when I grew up. We had to get a job, we had to get the training for a job, then get the job, and find out if we like it or not,” said Moody.
The students he teaches think it’s helpful, too — for the future, and for right now.
“It’s definitely beneficial. It teaches a lot, it’s good for credit and everything and good for the future,” stated Thompson
“It helps me figure out my future,” added freshman Somerville Conner.
He is able to find millions of ways to help all the students that go to him, and he’s happy to do it. He teaches them, guides them, and keeps them on the right track for the future.
“You will get out of high school what you put in,” Moody said. “What I mean is, teachers will do anything to help you, but don’t expect a teacher to bail you out when you’re not doing anything. It’s like a job. When you get a job, if you are making your best effort, a boss will normally help you out. They want you to succeed, which will make them look good. But if you’re not showing up, or turning in the work, your job there will be short.”
Coming from a family of soccer players, the sport has always been a big part of Scarlett McRae’s life. McRae, a junior at Jeff High, has been playing soccer for almost 10 years now.
“If I had to pick one person that has inspired me the most when it comes to soccer, I would have to say my dad. Not only has he taught me about soccer my whole life, but he is also there after games to give me feedback, good and bad,” said McRae.
Junior Scarlett McRae on the field at a soccer practice. McRae is a dual sport athlete, playing soccer and wrestling for JHS. Photo by Aubrey Cummings.
In her three years on the Jeff High girls’ soccer team, McRae has had many accomplishments. Her freshman year she was awarded with The Rookie of the Year award. Halfway through her sophomore year she set a record for the most goals scored for the girls´ team and will continue on to add to that record this year.
Earning these accomplishments has put a lot of pressure on McRae to keep being the one of the best. This pressure has taken a toll on her confidence in her abilities. In order to overcome her lack of confidence before games she said, “I pray before games and then just go with the flow, remembering that it’s okay to make mistakes and that I don’t have to be perfect.”
McRae isn’t just a part of the Jeff soccer team, but also the Racing Louisville Academy team. It’s a great opportunity to get her name out there and to be seen by colleges and professional teams.
After high school McRae plans to go to college for sports physiology. She also wants to play for her college team and eventually for a professional team.
“She makes me want to keep getting better so I can improve and beat her but not in a super competitive way but in the way that we both want to make the team the best it can be,” stated Junior Abi Lemon, a teammate of McRae’s on the field and the mat.
Though soccer is her main sport, McRae is also a part of the girls´ wrestling team. She started her freshman year when Sian Rogers, a senior on the soccer and wrestling team, convinced her to give it a try, telling her it would help her at soccer.
Junior Scarlett McRae wrestles her opponent at the JHS meet with Moore High School in 2024. Photo by Ethan Bronson.
After a week of wrestling she decided it wasn’t for her but she still wanted to be involved, deciding to be a manager instead. By doing this she was allowed at the practices and meets. As time passed she realized how much fun her friends were having and decided to rejoin towards the end of that season. That year she made it to Semi-state with her team before ending the season. She then chose to come back the following year to continue to improve.
Wrestling coach Danny Struck described McRae as a driven and dedicated player.
“When given the opportunity Scarlett is always open to improving; she keeps her eye on her goals and does the things that make her and her team better,” he said.
McRae said competing in both sports has helped her compete on the soccer field and on the wrestling mat.
“Soccer allowed for me to have better and quicker foot work in wrestling that most girls didn’t have, and wrestling taught me how to not get pushed off the ball as easily and stand my ground in soccer.”
McRae has been described as a leader in everything she does. She strives to be the best person she can be and to help whoever she can. She looks forward to trying to beat Floyd Central and New Albany, along with helping her teammates score more this soccer season.
Going into wrestling later this year, she wants to win as many matches as she can and make it to state.
“Coming into both seasons I am excited to win,” McRae explained. “Also to help my teammates succeed and to see how far we can go.”
The offensive line snaps the ball to junior Benji Rice for an attempt at a touchdown against the Seymour Owls. The Red Devils won 20-6, picking up the first win of the season. They lost to Bedford-North Lawrence last week, and head to Kokomo to compete tonight. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.
by Austin Bainbridge
Jeff came out of Bedford North Lawrence with a loss but is still looking forward to tonight against Kokomo to redeem themselves and get back to .500.
“I’m excited to see what their defense has to offer against us, and I’m ready to get another win,” said fullback Jaxx Long.
Kokomo had five turnovers last week, resulting in a 22-15 loss to Monrovia, and Jeff is going try to find a way to exploit that.
“Fine-tuning our defensive scheme, make sure everybody’s in the same place they need to be and knowing who exactly their supposed to cover in zone coverage and just trying to get some of those picks is crucial,” said head coach Joe Washington.
Against BNL Jeff had some defensive trouble, allowing 48 points, and Kokomo has the players to put up a similar performance.
Graphic by Magdalene Conrad.
“Kokomo has a receiver, number four (Baris Moore) — he’s pretty dynamic. He’s a good go-ball receiver and double move guy. He’s just bigger, faster and stronger than our other opponents,” said Washington.
Despite the defensive struggle, the Red Devils had a solid offensive game that they look to build on.
“As coaches we ran the ball effectively. Our RPO’s looked good, but the main thing was even though the score might have not indicated it we didn’t give up,” said Washington.
Coming out with the loss to BNL, Jeff is trying to to analyze what could have gone differently.
“I think the offense was very inconsistent. We had big drives, but then couldn’t do anything the next (drive). That then puts the defense in a bad place where they couldn’t do anything either,” said Long.
Despite what both teams’ records suggest, this is still a competitive matchup to measure where both teams can go with the rest of the season.
“If you combine both records it’s 1-5, so that’s not good, but there’s something to be said when a team schedules you as their homecoming, so that’s them saying they think they can beat us, but were ready to show them who we are,” said Washington
All photos by Kaleb Baker. Interviews by Abbigail Hollins.
Senior Litzy Rubio: “I’ve always had the idea of minions making it to my parking spot because I think they’re cute and wanted to incorporate them.” Photo by Kaleb Baker. Senior Makayla Robinson: “I love the country and pink and I wanted to put things I love in my parking slot.” Photo by Kaleb Baker. Senior Cassidy Tomlin: “The gladiolus flower is my birth flower, which represents strength, so it is also a reference for the color guard.” Photo by Kaleb Baker. Senior Shiann Spaulding: “Over the Garden Wall is my comfort show, and I wanted a space that feels like me.” Photo by Kaleb Baker. Senior Magdalene Conrad: “I chose this design because Tyler the Creator is my biggest inspiration.” Photo by Kaleb Baker.
From voices to instruments to improv, the JHS arts has much to offer those who are musically inclined. While the performances highlight the many talents of the students here, the process of joining each class begins much before the performances do.
To begin a musical journey into choir, music education and choral teacher Kyle Broady said students should talk with a counselor about joining. The requirements are simple for joining chorus class.
The choir practices for Gospelfest on August 11. Gospelfest will be performed next Thursday, Sept. 18. Photos by Aurora Grisham.
“For regular chorus, no skills are needed, although a past (with music) is helpful. Upper chorus, you have to qualify,” said Broady.
Students are required to be engaged during class. There are also times that students are required to stay after school to practice. However, with the chamber choir, the expectations are a bit higher because they are more experienced.
On Thursday, Sept. 18 Broady said the annual Gospelfest will be performed in the JHS auditorium. Additionally, On Dec. 9 and 11, there will be a Winter Fantasy performance with solo and ensemble musicians. In choir, students will be required to wear uniforms for performances, which consist of formal, black attire.
Continuing the journey into theater, theater arts teacher Derrick Ledbetter said to get into his class that students must audition. Ledbetter said the biggest skill to have in the theater experience is an open mind.
Ledbetter encourages students to rehearse and prepare for the JHS theatrical performances. In late October, theater students will perform “Once Upon a Mattress” and later in the year, they will perform “Cyrano de Bergerac.”
Finally, ending this journey going into band, music education and band teacher Sidney McDonald said most students participate in band during middle school and sign up when they choose classes for high school.
Band director Sidney McDonald shows her fourth-period band class how to keep tempo. Photo by Kaleb Baker.
“We’ve started a beginning band as well, for those who have never done band before,” said McDonald.
The teachers also offer extra help so that they can guide students.
“We have an open band room, which is after school on Wednesdays, so students can come work on any music they are struggling with,” she said.
Athletic director A.J. Moye with the Jeff High cross country team at Tuesday’s meet at Scottsburg. The boys’ placed seventh and the girls’ placed third. Photo by Sam Mull.
by Isabella Stewart
This year’s cross country season has started with a lot of teamwork, running, and introducing new team members who are running their hearts out on the cross country courses.
First, with the arrival of new athletic director A.J. Moye has helped support the team. He has helped build and support Jeff’s own cross country course.
Moye has driven through the course, making sure it’s safe for others, and has also just put a lot of time into making the course everything it needs to be.
Moye has shown up to regionals with the track team and has attended cross country practices, showing his love and support for this year’s cross country team.
Moye said he believes the most important part of his job is ¨to believe in the titles and the important roles that everyone plays¨ on their respective teams. He said pours himself into the kids and coaches lives and makes sure they know their value.
Two years ago, the cross country team only had one female athlete; last year, there were four, and that shows how much the cross country team has grown over the past year.
Senior runner Keira Jackson has made many friends and as she´s finishing her senior year one of the biggest things she wants people to know is “no matter how deep you’re in, there’s always an escape.”
Senior Keira Jackson runs to the finish line at the cross country meet in Scottsburg on Tuesday, Sept. 9. She placed 25th. Photo by Marcus Baker.
Jackson is currently striving to a 20-minute PR time.
Jackson really speaks highly about how coach Sam Mull has supported the team every step of the way, just as Moye has talked about.
Mull said he wants to “help improve each and every athlete on the team in their own ways.”
The cross country team recently had a fundraiser, and they raised over $2,035 dollars for their whole team.
Sophomore runner Marcus Baker talked about how he went to 6-7 different neighborhoods going door to door to help out with the fundraiser as much as he could.
The team has their first home meet Sept. 30 at their brand new cross country course.
This upcoming Thursday is XC Night at Bubba’s, in which a portion of purchases provides food, transportation, uniforms, awards, and gear for this year’s season.
Baker said,”We hope to see you there and Iḿ wishing this cross country season the best.”
The flute section of marching band prepares for their performance at this weekend’s contest at Columbus North High School. Photo by Kyra Gibson.The flute section of the JHS marching band gathers together just before performing at Columbus North High School. Photo by Kyra Gibson. Senior drum major Alice Haynes conducts the marching band on Saturday at Columbus North High School. This Saturday will compete in Paoli. Photo by Kyra Gibson. The flute and clarinet sections compete on Saturday, Sept. 6. Photo by Kyra Gibson. The marching band performs “Everything In Its Right Place” while competing at Columbus North High School on Saturday, Sept. 6. The JHS band placed third. Photo by Kyra Gibson. Senior drum major Alice Haynes and junior drum major Sebastian Lopez hold the third-place trophy earned by the Jeff High marching band at Columbus North High School on Saturday, Sept. 6. Photo by Kyra Gibson.
Junior Nation Roe-McBroom holds back the Seymour defense to score a touchdown for the Red Devils. JHS defeated the Owls 20-6 and will face Bedford North-Lawrence this Friday. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.The offensive line snaps the ball to junior Benji Rice for an attempt at a touchdown against the Seymour Owls on Friday. The Red Devils won 20-6, picking up the first win of the season. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Senior Caleb Bale prepares for the matchup against the Seymour Owls this past Friday. The Red Devils won 20-6. Photo by Magdalene Conrad. Senior Kurion Thompson points at the camera as he goes to the locker room at halftime. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Coach Tranere Nelson hugs junior Nation Roe-McBroom after a touchdown for the Red Devils. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Junior Benji Rice poses for the camera after a touchdown against the Seymour Owls. Photo by Magdalene ConradSenior Bryce Grant and junior Nation Roe-McBroom celebrate a touchdown together. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.
Musicians brought their talent to the stage on August 15
All photos by Sophia Goforth.
Guitarist Kyle Reagan strums his guitar during sound check. Photo by Sophia Goforth. A crowd lines up at the gate, waiting for the show to start. Photo by Sophia Goforth. Drummer Josh Howe keeps the rhythm during the Juice Box Heroes set on Friday, August 15. Photo by Sophia Goforth. Dave Miles, the band’s bassist, keeps a steady rhythm with a focused expression. Photo by Sophia Goforth. The brass section talking among each other in between songs. Photo by Sophia Goforth.The Charlestown High School choir, The Scallywags, singing backup for The Heroes. Photo by Sophia Goforth. Lead Singer Dan Farmer sings “Save a Horse” by Big and Rich. Photo by Sophia Goforth.Juice Box Heroes perform on the stage on the night of August 15 in downtown Jeffersonville. Photo by Sophia Goforth. Featured singer Peyton Connors beautifully sings during the August 15 event in downtown Jeffersonville. Photo by Sophia Goforth.
Seymour and Jeff are hunting for their first wins of the season, and everyone’s ready for the Friday Night Lights tonight.
“I’m super excited man counting the days down until Friday and just mentally preparing myself for Friday,” said head football coach Joe Washington.
Seymour showed some Week 1 slopiness last Friday in a 38-8 loss against Greenwood, throwing two interceptions.
Seniors Bryce Grant and Tyes McCondichie celebrate after a successful Red Devil play during the opening scrimmage two weeks ago. Tonight the Red Devils go for their first win of the season against Seymour. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.
“I’m hoping that we’ll be able to get a lot of turnovers this week. If they throw the ball up I think we have the guys in the secondary to make plays and hopefully turn some of those picks into touchdowns,” said Washington.
Jeff is also out to a slow start after a 37-0 loss to Cincinnati Taft, and lost their starting quarterback Cordell Thomas. Sophomore Brayden Bachman will fill in.
“It’s Bachman’s first start, so you kind of expect there to be some jitters. We’re going to help him out with short passes and running the ball effectively,” said Washington.
Jeff has confidence in this game even after the loss to Taft.
“I expect a good game from Seymour, but we are the better team,” said sophomore tackle Jaxx Long.
Jeff is trying to find a silver lining in the loss from Taft.
“I would like the loss to influence us in a positive way. Even though there’s a lot of negativity around it, if they put it into perspective Taft is probably going to be the best team we’ll play until sectionals,” said Washington.
Seymour has several impact players that could turn the tide in their favor.
“Their running back number three (Traysean Hawkins) is a real shifty guy; he runs the ball hard, and they have an offensive linemen that has worked really hard. He’s lost 50 pounds this offseason, he’s a really big kid,” said Washington.
The team has been putting in work at practice all week and feel prepared for tonight.
“We have prepared a good defense and ran scout team all week so I’m confident for this game,” said Long.
Washington had been suspended for both the Madison scrimmage and Week one against Taft. Tonight is his first opportunity to be back on the field and he’s ready.
“I’m excited. It’s like having my boys around. I’m sick of not having my guys around, and it’s my happy place, you know,” said Washington.
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