Photos by Shelby Keesee.
Red Devils defeat Salem 5-1 last night
Category: Sports
JHS defeats Silver Creek 2-0 during Monday’s Senior Night
Photos by Isaiah Stewart and Parker McCloskey.
Floyd Central defeats JHS soccer 9-0 last night
Photos by Malachi Conrad.
New Pace
Cross country team adjusts to recent coaching change
by Isaiah Gatton and Elijah Lahrman
The foundation of the cross country team was established as a strong program, but the team has had to adjust to recent coaching changes.
The team is now under the guidance of Coach Carlis Phillips, who has a background in sprinting and hurdles, bringing a new perspective to the program and enhancing it with the experience he has accumulated throughout the six years he has worked at Jeff High.
“I’ve been coaching for some time. I have been at Jeff for the last six years, working as the sprint coach for 4-5 years. I have a sprint background, hurdle background; I’m up for the challenge to try and build our little distance and cross country team to be as competitive as our sprinters,” he said.
His goal for the rest of the season is to get the cross country team in a competitive mindset, having the hunger to push past limits and barriers.
Phillips has also introduced new expectations for the team, including recommending runners purchase watches to track their mileage and implementing mile warm-ups and cool-downs. He views the season as an educational journey as he continues to guide the team.
“It is an educational thing, what a high performing cross country team looks like,” he said. “Just recently I recommended that they should invest in a running watch. Tracking is a big part of running. There are some foundation pieces that I’m implementing as well. Giving them information and knowledge about what a successful cross country runner looks like. I’m going to coach everyone in here like a champion. I do want them to be challenged, feel the tug and pull of what a successful runner looks like.”
With the change in coaching has come a change in training. Compared to previous seasons, runners have noticed more intervals, sprinting, and strength-focused workouts.
“We do a lot more intervals instead of just long-distance runs,” sophomore varsity runner Micah Nef said. “A lot of it is just focusing on speed work instead of distance.”
For some runners, the new training has been challenging but has provided an opportunity to develop different skills. Senior varsity runner Nathan Scovanner said he likes the balance between speed and endurance.
“I like that part, because we do need to build up some speed,” Scovanner said. “If we mix in both speed and endurance, we’ll become better runners overall, because we’ll have that speed and still be able to keep our speed going through our races.”
Junior Marcus Baker has also started to enjoy the new sprint-focused workouts. Having previously run sprints in middle school, Baker said the new practices have brought back something he enjoyed.
“I feel like every day when we’re on that track, he pushes us,” Baker said. “It feels good running sprints.”
However, not every runner has found the transition easy. Some athletes said they preferred aspects of former Coach Sam Mull’s approach, particularly his emphasis on endurance and the mental side of running. They are adjusting, though.
“I think it’s weird having a different coach, but it’s good to learn different things from multiple people,” Nef said.
Nef said her times felt faster when the team focused more on endurance training, although she acknowledged the new training has been more challenging.
Senior runner Lizeth Gonzalez said she sees value in both coaching styles.
“I like both of them,” Gonzalez said. “Whenever you do compete in a 5k, you do need the strength to push yourself. But at the same time, when you do long mileage, the three miles start becoming easier in a way.”
For Gonzalez, one of the biggest differences between Mull and Phillips is how they approach athletes mentally.
“Coach Mull taught us in more of a mental type of way, but also physical, and Coach Phillips is more of a physical type of coach,” Gonzalez said.
She said she would like to see the strengths of both coaches combined.
“I would enjoy having, of course, Coach Mull back, and have both of them as coaches,” Gonzalez said. “I know both of them could allow us to become better athletes because they both can focus on our weaknesses and strengths.”
The coaching change has also affected some of the traditions and activities that helped bring the team together. Nef said Mull was known for organizing additional activities that were not necessarily required but helped create connections among teammates.
“He was really good at getting things done and doing extra things that weren’t necessary,” Nef said, referring to activities such as a 24-hour relay that has been recently canceled.
Despite the changes, Nef said the team has remained close, with the team captain helping maintain that connection.
“We still have a good team captain, so we’re still close,” Nef said.
Other runners are looking toward what Phillips’s experience could bring to the program. Phillips’ background in track has given him experience working with athletes who specialize in speed, something that some runners believe could help the cross-country team develop.
“I do think so,” Scovanner said when asked if Phillips’s reputation would help the program. “I think it will bring some more people to the team, possibly. He also does have some experience, but cross country is a new thing to him, I’m sure that’s not going to affect him.”
Gonzalez also believes Phillips’s experience could bring more recognition to the program.
“I believe we are going to get more support,” Gonzalez said. “I feel like Coach Phillips has a good history with training athletes, sending them to state, and being able to train them. And I believe it will allow us to get a little bit more recognition as a team.”
For Scovanner, the transition has been a process. As a senior running cross-country for his second year, he said he initially had concerns about what the coaching change would mean for the team.
“At first, I was a little skeptical,” Scovanner said. “I didn’t know how everything was going to play out. I had a lot of doubts in my mind.”
As the season has progressed, however, Scovanner said he has become more comfortable with Phillips’s approach.
“I had faith, and so far, everything’s turned out really well,” Scovanner said. “I really like everything that’s been going on.”
While athletes have different opinions about the new direction, the team is continuing to adjust as the season progresses. Phillips’s emphasis on speed, strength, and competitiveness has created a different training environment, while runners continue to carry lessons from previous seasons.
Volleyball team faces Floyd Central tonight
Red Devils play Providence on Thursday in week of formidable opponents
by Austin Bainbridge
The JHS girls’ volleyball team snapped an eight-game losing streak against Madison and now faces Floyd Central today.
The Highlanders have not lost a game in over two weeks — to the same team JHS plays Thursday: Providence.
“I do feel a little underprepared, but I’m hoping we can get a win in at least one win of these two games. If we do that I’d call it a success,” said sophomore outside hitter Audrey Cheshire.
On Thursday’s sweep of Madison, the sole senior on the team, Mattie Barker, had her own student section and was thrilled about it.
“I loved my Senior Night. It was so cool seeing everybody show up just for me. It felt really special and amazing,” said Barker.
Barker, one of the most trusted backrow players on the team, is going to have to handle spikes from Floyd’s Georgia Tech commit Macy Sorg.
“That’s going to be a hard one. I just have to do my best reading her and hope for a little help for some tips or blocks up front,” said Barker.
The team expects outside hitter Jayli Burris to continue the tear she’s been on, including a 10-kill performance against New Albany.
“I think I’m going to keep it going. I don’t know why it took so long to get going, but I’m going to keep it going,” said Burris.
Even principal Pam Hall has her attention on the program this week and what a win could do for the team.
“Well, to be the best you have to play the best, and I really hope we can get one this week. That would be really big for these girls and I’d love to see it,” said Hall.
Both Floyd Central and Providence are formidable opponents, and coach Wes Briscoe is aware.
“They’re both such strong teams. Floyd is one of the best teams in the region, and they’ve really only lost to Providence around here, so this is going to be a tough one this week.”
Jeff plays Floyd Central at 7:30 p.m. at Jeffersonville.
Two Teams. One Big Matchup.
Red Devils face Floyd Central Tuesday in Hoosier Hills Conference showdown
by Layney Derricott
The Red Devils soccer team enters an important Hoosier Hills Conference match with Floyd Central tonight at 4-5-1 (1-3-1 in the HHC). Both teams look to add another win to their resumes, making this an exciting matchup.
Coach Rachel Foster shared that challenges are something the team will have to face and overcome while battling the Highlanders, currently 9-5-1 and 5-0 in the HHC.
“We will need to keep up our speed of play. Floyd is a fast team, and they move quickly. We will need to move just as quickly as them, beat them to the ball, and be ready when they’re attacking,” Foster stated.
Floyd Central is a high-speed team. JHS will not only have to keep up with their speed, but their attitudes as well. Senior and team captain Abi Lemon said tomorrow’s game will be a mental challenge.
“Our team will have to overcome the stigma. Have the ability to deal with people commenting on the differences between the two teams, not letting negative words knock us down. Holding our heads up high with good morale,” Lemon said.
Foster said preparation for a team in an intense rivalry game is important.
“We’ve been getting the formation down, being sure to move the ball quickly. Move just as fast as Floyd will. Every year we have a new team, new people to work with, and get accustomed to.”
As the Red Devils prepare for the pace of the game, staying focused, and counting on each other, their focus now shifts to executing that preparation.
Sophomore Haylee Alvarenga said once the game starts this focus must include “making sure to stay on defense for the first half. Along with keeping up a positive attitude, to not get discouraged early on. Keeping a defensive team.”
This defensive mentality affects the team as a whole, but leadership from individual players can make just as much of an impact.
Sophomore Jacqueline Escobar mentioned one person who can be trusted to hold everybody accountable while displaying a positive attitude.
“Abi Lemon knows how to work well with everyone. She’s always available when needed, gives good advice, and knows how to bring you back down when things get intense,” Escobar stated.
Senior and team captain Laela Rudicel said the Red Devils are prepared mentally and physically for the challenging game with the Highlanders.
Being mentally and physically ready is only one part of the challenge; the team will mainly rely on its communication throughout the game, according to senior defender Alianna Brown.
“Communicating, along with being there for each other,”said Brown. “Being able to call on anyone; specifically sophomore Sonnie Darku, to switch positions with me. Letting others know when there’s someone approaching or coming for the ball.”
Red Devils soccer takes on the Highlanders tonight at 7 p.m at the JHS soccer field.
Wrestling coach trains Red Devils athletes to be physically,mentally stronger
by Isabella Stewart and May Smith
For Coach Daniel Struck, coaching is about more than sports. Struck has said, ¨It is about helping students become stronger, more confident, and better versions of themselves.”
Struck has spent many years working with athletes and coaching different sports. He spent 28 years as a teacher and 30 years as a coach. During his time as a coach, he has worked with wrestling and football. His experience has allowed him to work with many students and help them reach their goals.
Sophomore sports performance athlete Braylen Martin said, “Coach has helped me reach my goals in track and field, allowing me to become such a stronger version of myself, and I thank him for taking that time with me.¨
One of the main reasons Struck coaches is that he wants to see kids become stronger and healthier. He said that training can help athletes both physically and mentally. His goal is not simply to make students better at their sport, but to teach them lessons they can use outside of athletics as well.
Junior wrestler John Steele said, “Struck is serious but very caring and is determined to help. Struck has helped redirect me when I’ve needed it and always reminds me to focus on myself.¨
Student athletes who have worked with Struck describe him as someone who cares about the people around him. Martin, for example, sees him as someone who is encouraging.
¨Struck’s humor helps make training more enjoyable and motivates me to be more active. His willingness to help students learn their rhythm shows that he focuses on individual athletes instead of treating everyone the same,” he said.
Other athletes have noticed the same qualities. Sophomore swimmer Charlie Frakes described the coach as someone who cares about his students. He added that working with him through sports has helped him become stronger and overcome challenges.
Sophomore sports performance athlete Rylan Humphreys described Struck as welcoming, understanding, and supportive. According to Humphreys, “Struck’s guidance has helped me become faster and stronger while also showing me I can accomplish difficult things when I put my mind to them.”
For Struck, the relationships he builds with his athletes appear to be just as important as the training itself. His years of coaching have given him the opportunity to influence athletes and help them develop confidence, discipline, and perseverance.
Senior Camden White brings leadership, energy to JHS tennis
by Allison Sharp
Senior boys’ tennis player Camden White gets out of his car while grabbing his supplies for the first tennis match of the season. As he grabs his racket and water, he waves over to his friends that are calling him over. He realizes that this is going to be the first match to start off his last year playing tennis.
“I think after my full four years I am just done with the sport. It takes a lot of time and I want to be able to focus on my education more,” said White.
Even though White will not continue playing tennis after high school, he still has his senior year to play.
“I am most excited for overnight tournaments, because it is good team bonding and the tournaments are very competitive, so it makes them a lot of fun.”
However to White, tennis is more than about fun times.
“Although tennis is a team sport it comes down to you individually and how you win and how you play reflects on the whole team. You have to rely on yourself mentally to handle the situations.”
He’s been handling these situations since his freshman year when he started playing and has continued to rely on his mentality during tough times of the sport.
A teammate of White’s, senior KJ Westbay, said, “Camden brings good energy every day and is always positive, like always brings my attitude up when I’m feeling down.”
This shows not just how good of a tennis player White is, but a contribution to the JHS tennis team. Even with all of White’s tennis practices throughout the week he tries to make some time in his free time or hanging out with his friends. During these times, White will play pickleball with friends, and loves to golf. Though his schedule may be very busy, White loves the sport and has grown from when he started playing.
“Camden is a good leader; he’s a good leader of the sportsmanship we want to see on the team and he’s a good leader on the off season. Like I mentioned earlier he puts a lot of time in the offseason working on his game, it is a good example to the underclassmen,” said assistant coach Emma Ellis.
White has loved playing tennis for his high school career and even though he won’t be playing when he goes to college, he will always remember the skills and mindsets that the sport has given him.
“People can learn how to handle their emotions more because it puts you under a lot of pressure by yourself and it shows how you handle certain situations.”
| Favorite Color | Navy Blue |
| Favorite Movie | Divergent |
| Birthday | June 21 |
| Favorite food | Sushi |
Championship Victory
Red Devils defeat New Albany 2-1 last night to win Hoosier Hills Conference
Photos by Malachi Conrad and Parker McCloskey. Additional reporting by Austin Bainbridge.
Hoosier Hill Conference championship, scoring both points with less than three minutes left in the match. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
the students rushed the field and celebrated with the coaches and players, as the victory secured the Hoosier Hills Conference championship. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
Behind the Scenes
Drew Davis uses soccer to teach life lessons
by Louis Stifler
Junior varsity soccer coach Drew Davis crouches down on to the ground to discuss the product of the half with his team. He describes how their Evansville Reitz opponents play and the weakness his players may leverage for their success and what they might improve on in the next half.
“He tells me what to do and we just win games and that’s what it’s all about,” said freshman Ryan McKinley, a JV soccer starter.
Not only does he help them on the field but he teaches them other lessons, especially off the field.
“It’s teaching them to work with others and learning that you won’t win everything, but if you stay the course with the right game plan you will be successful in life,” recounted Davis. “It teaches discipline and responsibility in that you sacrifice stuff for others.”
Coach Davis has been in the soccer program for 13 years. He has also coached at several other schools and played during his high school years.
“I would say when I started to get to high school and would watch games with friends it was more than anything I could really imagine,” remarked Davis.
Out of all the years, though, Coach Davis said that this year is different for the soccer program.
“I think that this team from top to bottom is the best team since I have been here. It’s a marriage of skill and belief,” stated Davis.
This team seems to have something different to it that both the coaches and the players see.
“It is a lot more accepting and a lot more people have come out,” said sophomore JV player Ryland Prichard.
The atmosphere of the teams signifies that there is a different fire this year. Over the years it was building up. The coaches can feel it, and so can the players.
“My goal would one day to be fighting for a state title. You do that by not just winning games, but getting good grades, being a leader,on and off the field, and just being a role model,” stated Davis.
This soccer program has improved under all of those who support it.
Davis said the JHS soccer success has been special, especially in “the years when JV had an undefeated season — which I never thought I’d do — and the varsity season last year as we went as far as I did as a player.”
Coach Davis has brought this program back up higher than ever and he plans to bring it even higher as a teacher, a leader, but especially as a coach.
“I love coaching because I enjoy giving back to others and watching them enjoy the experience I got out of the sport and being a part of a building project, watching it grow and get.”
Freshman Camron Bell chases his soccer dreams
by Javian DeLa Luz Garcia
Freshman Camron Bell listens intently as head coach Drew Davis instructs the players on what to do during practice.
“I look forward to scoring a lot of goals and making it to sectionals and regionals,” said Bell. He is a part of the junior varsity JHS soccer team. He hopes to be a regular starter in junior varsity, and eventually be a part of the varsity soccer squad.
“I’m proud of how far I made it in soccer, because the level I am at is extremely difficult and hard,” said Bell.
He is a normal kid. He goes to school and he hangs out with his friends; however; one of his main aspects in life is playing soccer. His main passion in life is playing soccer.
“I strive to go pro because it is my dream. It is my passion, I love this sport and I want to go pro in it,” said Bell.
Though he strives to go pro now, he has always had a passion for soccer from an early age.
“When I was three years old, my mom wanted me to try out a sport, so I chose soccer.”
After choosing soccer Bell has fallen in love with the sport of soccer ever since. His coach, Davis, is the one who trains Bell and the JV team.
“I think that he is not someone who tiptoes into challenges. He throws himself into challenges. He puts 110% effort in all factors of the game,” said coach Davis.
Freshman Cayden Stolte, Bell’s teammate, agreed with Davis, describing him as a good goalscorer for the team.
Although his life mostly consists of sports he also gives effort into school. Bell has to be on top of his school work to be able to play in this soccer team. The school has requirements to be able to play in a school team.
“Nothing below a D and if you have a D you have to have no missing assignments,” said Bell.
Having to deal with both his school and athlete life, Bell finds himself sometimes being overwhelmed by the pressure.
“Balancing them both is hard… because you have to get good grades and study and sometimes they interfere. I study at home, get good grades, and go out and play on the field,” said Bell.
It’s this philosophy that drives Bell towards success in the sport of soccer.
“Never give up, chase your dreams no matter the setbacks. And that life will get hard, just never stop trying.”
Floyd Central defeats Red Devils 42-0 on Friday
JHS to face Connersville this Friday
All photos by Malachi Conrad and Eva Harbeson.
Briscoe’s influence reaches beyond the court
Volleyball coach uses athletics to teach life lessons
by Bryce Treat
For coach Wes Briscoe, volleyball is about more than winning games. As the JHS head boys’ and girls’ volleyball coach, he focuses on helping athletes grow through challenges, build confidence, and become the best versions of themselves.
Now in his ninth season coaching the girls’ volleyball program, Briscoe believes growth happens when athletes push beyond their comfort zones. His philosophy is reflected in one phrase that players across the program immediately recognize: “Be a jungle tiger.”
His coaching journey began long before arriving at JHS. As a high school student, Briscoe helped coach youth sports before taking his first official coaching position at Corydon Central. Through those experiences, he learned that no two athletes are exactly alike.
“It’s more about knowing what the specific athlete needs and coaching them to be the best version of themselves,” he said.
Briscoe often encourages athletes to embrace difficult situations rather than avoid them. He believes the most growth occurs when players are willing to challenge themselves and learn from mistakes.
That message has stuck with many of his athletes. Junior Samantha Dues explained that one of Briscoe’s most important lessons is that mistakes are part of the learning process.
“He reiterates how we all make mistakes, but we know how to learn from them,” Dues said.
Briscoe’s focus on growth extends beyond volleyball skills. One of the most important lessons he shares with athletes is simple:
“Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing.” He hopes players carry that lesson with them long after their playing days are over.
Junior Ryder Lott described Briscoe’s coaching style as a balance between giving players independence and helping them improve when needed. More importantly, Lott said Briscoe stands out because of the connections he builds with athletes.
“He has a relationship with all the players. He cares about all his players,” Lott said.
The culture Briscoe has created within the volleyball program extends beyond practices and matches. Dues noted that after every match, players are encouraged to compliment a teammate, even after a loss. The tradition helps build team chemistry and reminds players to support one another regardless of the outcome.
Junior Caeley McDaniel described practices as strict but encouraging. She credits Briscoe with helping her stay motivated and encouraging her to be kinder to others. She describes Briscoe in three words: “loud, determined, and spunky.”
When adversity strikes, Briscoe encourages athletes to persevere rather than give up. His influence can also be seen in the confidence he gives his players. Dues recalled a memorable moment during her sophomore season when he trusted her to contribute during sectionals despite having less experience than some of her teammates.
“He had the confidence in me to perform for my team during sectionals, even when I had less experience than the others,” she said.
For junior Caleb Solmon, Briscoe’s success is evident in the growth of the program itself. Watching varsity players develop has motivated him to improve his own game, and he said Briscoe has helped transform inexperienced athletes into successful competitors.
“He’s made people who have never played volleyball become state contenders,” Solmon said.
Of course, players also remember Briscoe’s lighter moments. Solmon recalled one memorable incident when a player had to run 35 laps after catching the volleyball twice during a game, a story that has become part of team lore.
Whether he’s reminding athletes to be a “jungle tiger,” encouraging teammates to support one another, or helping players develop confidence in themselves, Briscoe’s impact extends far beyond volleyball. Through his leadership, Red Devil athletes continue to grow not only as players, but as people.
