Floyd Central defeats JHS soccer 9-0 last night

Photos by Malachi Conrad.

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.

Junior Jaylianah Burris hits the ball over the net trying to score against Rock Creek. The Red Devils face Floyd Central and Providence this week. Photo by Malachi Conrad.

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. 

Senior Abi Lemon keeps control of the ball against Jennings County. The Red Devils won 8-3. They battle Floyd Central tonight at 7 p.m. Photo by Malachi Conrad.

“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 Laela Rudicel celebrates her third goal of the night against Jennings County, achieving a hat trick. Photo by Malachi Conrad.

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.

Floyd Central defeats Red Devils 42-0 on Friday

JHS to face Connersville this Friday

All photos by Malachi Conrad and Eva Harbeson.

JHS defeats Floyd Central 3-1 last night

All photos by Parker McCloskey.

Floyd Central defeats Red Devils 15-2 in softball last night

All photographs by Malachi Conard. Click on each image to view the photo gallery below.

Baseball team wraps up trio of games, will face Columbus North tonight

All photos by Parker McCloskey and Magdalene Conrad. Click on each image to view each photo in the gallery below.

JHS defeats Floyd Central 72-54 to advance in sectional play

All photos by Magdalene Conrad and Malachi Conrad. Click on each photo in the gallery below.

Red Devils begin sectional play tonight against Floyd Central

by Austin Bainbridge

Jeff is looking for a sectional win over Floyd Central tonight, a team they beat with a buzzer beater 49-48 in January.

“We are a better team than we were when we first faced Floyd; it’s not going to take any late game scores to get us the win this time,” said sophomore center Cornelius Weobong

Jeff isn’t the highest ranked team in the sectional, but head coach Sherron Wilkerson said anything can happen in the post-season.

“On paper, I think that we can win the sectional. I know that we were probably third right now, I would say, in the segments. But I would say if everything came together, I think that we can win the sectional for sure,” said he said.

Sophomore Mason Longest looks to pass the ball while being defended at Floyd Central in January. JHS won 49-48 in the closing seconds of the game. The Red Devils play FC in a rematch in sectional tonight in Seymour. Photo by Malachi Conrad.

The Red Devils know the stakes in playing against a rival in a win or go-home game and need to keep themselves in check.

“We have got to mature really fast. I think there are two things that we have to do — number one, we have to understand how much effort it takes to play at this level. 
And then I think the second thing that we have to realize is how much we have to control our emotions,” said Wilkerson

The roster has been cut down to just 12 players for sectionals and they are expected to play unselfishly for the team.

“I think it’s really just like the entire team’s going to step up. You know, we’re all going to come together as one and play for the name on the front. There may be some specific players, but I feel like we’re all just going to play for the name on the front, try to get the win,” said sophomore center Demauri Crosby.

Jeff comes in winning both of their last games by 24+ points and expects that momentum to carry into the playoffs.

“Those wins certainly have given us a boost that we can ride through this whole thing to make it back to state,” said Weobong.

For the team it’s business as usual they want to keep everything the same to keep the players in flow.

“Nothing out of the ordinary. Just our normal day-to-day preparation. Our preparation has been the same since the first day that I took the job up until now. We’re preparing to finish these last three games in the sectional, like we prepared to win the state championship,” said Wilkerson.

Head coach Sherron Wilkerson gives the Red Devils the game plan against SIlver Creek earlier in the season. Wilkerson said preparations for sectional and the state tournament remain the same as always. “Our preparation has been the same since the first day that I took the job up until now.” Photo by Malachi Conrad.


JHS defeats Floyd Central 50-47 last night in Hoosier Hills Conference victory

All photos by Malachi Conrad. Captions by Malachi Conrad and Gabrielle Watkins. Click on the photo gallery below to view images.

Floyd Central beats Jeff 34-12 on Friday; Red Devils prepare for Bloomington North and Homecoming this Friday, Sept. 26

All photos by Magdalene Conrad, Malachi Conrad, Parker McCloskey.