Boys’ soccer wins sectional tournament, heads to regional tonight to face Evansville North

Red Devils win first Sectional championship since 2012 by defeating Bedford North Lawrence 5-0

Resource officer Tyler Robinson strives to empower youth

by Spencer Robinson

Jeff High’s own resource officer Tyler Robinson loves to start his day by either bettering himself or bettering the people he sees on a day to day basis.

”I start at 4 in the morning and I’m out of the house by 5 and at the gym by 5:30. After that I work out with the basketball players and then monitor traffic in the morning. During the school day I love to be present and show my face in the hallways.”

JHS student resource officer Tyler Robinson with junior Michael Hockersmith.

Seeing how dedicated he is to making the best of his opportunities you wonder what fuels him everyday to be the best he can be?

”God keeps me going, and I understand that it’s a blessing to be in this position . I was told don’t leave any stone un-turned,” said Robinson.

Robinson also stated that his family is a huge impact in his life and how they help him be able to accomplish work through the day.

“My father in law Steve Kurberg is the head basketball coach at Christian Academy and I was blown away by his hard work and how he wakes up every Sunday and leads worship at my church.”

With Robinson’s age there are many advantages and disadvantages that affect how he works as a 25-year-old resource officer.

 “I have 25 years of familiarity. It has some advantages and disadvantages. I have TikTok and Instagram so it’s easier to connect with the youth. While someone like officer Mitchell has more experience on earth than me.”

Taking a look outside  of work Robinson has very interesting and unique hobbies to pass the time.

“I like to run and bike in my free time. I’m also a two stripe blue belt in jiu jitsu and I love watching UFC fights and my favorite fighter is probably Charles Olivera.”

Officer Robinson’s reasoning for becoming a resource officer shows that he really cares and wants to make a change.

“In 2020 we had all our Black Lives Matter movement and I was curious  why people protested but didn’t step in and actually be the one to make the change in the world. Also, I love to connect with people on a day-to-day basis.”

Robinson also believes he has a divine calling to do what he does today. He feels that being a good person and helping others is the best way for him to be effective on earth.

“I think it’s to be a good human being and exactly what God wants us to be and to understand that you need to follow your heart. At Jeff I need to be a good example to students. I had a good resource officer that impacted my life, which made we want to do this career.”

Sophomore basketball player Mason Longest said, “He motivates me and he tells me that I’m doing good and he teaches me how to work hard.” Also, Longest said he learned some valuable lessons from Robinson.

“He just told me not to worry about failing and to stay positive even with something like lifting.”

 Sophomore Krypton McFarland said, “He makes me stronger in the weight and prepares me for the season.”

Robinson’s whole goal is to empower the youth and to put a smile on the faces of as many people as possible.

Robinson said, “Rest at the end, not the middle. I think this applies in life and you need to stay consistent.”

Columbus East defeats Red Devils 28-9; JHS plays Jennings County this Friday

All photos by Malachi Conrad.

‘Chalk the Walk’ artwork: students showcase pride in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month

Photos by Areli Hernandez Romero 

Additional editor Tyler Conley.

In honor of Hispanic heritage month, Spanish teacher Megan Cortes has shown a strong ethic for education highlighting her leadership in the community. Through her contributions, she’s been able to well represent herself and this influential program.

JHS prepares to face off with New Albany tonight

by Austin Bainbridge

Both Jeff and New Albany come into tonight’s game looking to get their seasons on track.

New Albany is in the search for their first win, and Jeff has lost two straight in brutal fashion. However, a win could set their campaigns straight.

“We have to win these next three; if we do that we’ll be 5-4 and going into the playoffs, that would be a success for this young team,” said head coach Joe Washington.

This is a big rivalry for both communities, and the players are ready to perform.

Sophomore Austin Bainbridge and sophomore Jaxx Long do a pre-game handshake during the Homecoming game against Bloomington North. Photo by Malachi Conrad.

“We can beat them for sure; I mean, their 0-6. We are a way better team than them,” said sophomore fullback Jaxx Long.

Jeff comes into tonight’s match-up 2-4, trying to get back on the path to prepare for a playoff push.

“I think we have a couple games down the stretch that we’re favored in, and we can win. Columbus East will be a tough matchup, but if we do what we’re supposed to we can win that game as well,” said Washington. 

The coaches believe that the team can succeed, but it’s on the players if they want to win.

“It’s only the little things that we aren’t doing right. If the players come together and see the bigger picture and dig a little deeper, then I think the next three games can go in our favor,” said Washington.

Even though the Bulldogs come into the game winless this season, Jeff players know this isn’t a free win.

“We have to play determined and as a team. Even though they’re 0-6, a win is never free. If we all stick together I know we can walk out of there with a win,” said junior linemen Liam Jackson.

The team only has a handful of seniors starting on the roster, so there is some experience left to be desired.

Sophomore Andre Walker during the JHS-Bloomington North game last Friday. Photo by Isaiah Stewart.

“We have a very young roster, and this is the first adversity they have seen. When we went 6-4 last year a lot of these guys didn’t play. I think they just need some ‘want-to’ so we can go out and  win,” said Washington

Everybody on the team has been preparing for this game for a long time, and they’re ready to settle the rivalry for this year.

“The mentality for us is a no-brainer at this point. We know they don’t like us and we don’t like them, so there’s some bad blood, so we have to ride the wave and step up to the plate,” said Washington.

Anchor Club formally welcomes new members through annual initiation

All photos by Areli Hernandez.

JHS celebrates homecoming this past Friday

All photos by Malachi Conrad, Parker McCloskey, Sophia Goforth, and Isaiah Stewart.

Bloomington North defeats JHS last Friday 36-3

All photos by Malachi Conrad, Parker McCloskey, Sophia Goforth, and Isaiah Stewart.

Sophomore excels for both JV, varsity soccer as sectional time approaches

by Isabella Stewart and Mahalia Smith

This year’s boys’ soccer team has had many new athletes introduced to the team, and the stands have filled up more than ever this season. Sophomore Ariel Andres Sandoval has played exceptionally well this season; his teammates speak highly of him. 

Sandoval has played soccer for over 10 years; he knows most of his teammates from way back in elementary school soccer. With all that time, he has grown close with his teammates, and they could be perceived as family.

Sophomore Dylan Ortiz said he admired Sandoval’s loyalty and passion for soccer – the way he never gives up on the field, always pushing his teammates to be the best and giving them challenging opportunities to push themselves. 

Aside from playing soccer, another hobby Sandoval really enjoys is reading and writing poems. When he’s not on the court, he’s reading or writing, even studying architecture. 

Sandoval said his “biggest challenge in soccer is my mentality.” He has always been pushed to be good, but being great still comes with struggles. 

Sandoval said, “Remembering the reason why, followed by the people I’m playing soccer with, keeps me motivated through every game.”

Sandoval and Ortiz both really look up to their team captain, senior Elijah Cheeks. Sandoval said, “He is always keeping me on my feet for every game we face.”

Cheeks is always there on the field helping every teammate out whenever he feels like he’s needed; he is there. Cheeks said, “I enjoy helping my teammates and helping them get better every day, not just as a soccer player, but as a person, too.” 

Ortiz described Sandoval as “courageous.” He’s not deterred by danger; he’s brave and fearless, and Ortiz said, “that could be one of his biggest strengths.” 

Sandoval loves a good meal after games; his favorite food is chicken, and typically after a game he enjoys a nice meal of chicken wings to provide protein and energy for the next game. 

Sandoval strongly believes “the team will win sectionals in October and advance even more.”

Sectional play begins next Monday at Floyd Central at 7 p.m.; the Red Devils will face Jennings County.