All photos by Malachi Conrad, Logan Vidt and Eva Harbeson.












All photos by Malachi Conrad, Logan Vidt and Eva Harbeson.












All photos by Malachi Conrad, Isaiah Stewart, Mason Ridge, and Reilly Davis.
























All photos by Malachi Conrad, Shelby Keesee, Isaiah Stewart, and Logan Vidt.













All photos by Malachi Conrad and Isaiah Stewart.










by Layney Derricott
The JHS girls’ soccer team has begun the new season with a smaller-than-normal roster, with barely enough players to fill the field or the bench.

However, coming off a long summer break and straight into practice, the team is keeping a positive mindset despite the challenges.
“We always make sure to always be uplifting and bring each other up — that’s important,” said senior midfielder Layana Cosby.
After the 2025-26 season, a variety of players graduated, leaving the team depleted; however, the game still goes on. With their first game on August 18, the team prepared hastily. To start the season, they held tryouts August 3-5, resulting in a roster of 19, just enough players to field a team.
Being on a team with fewer players can change experiences, including creating a different environment, demanding more responsibility with individual players and affecting gameplay.
Coach Emily Foster said, “It’s a struggle having to try out new positions, but they are rising well to the challenge of something new. It’s all a matter of time for the team.”
In addition to adjusting to new positions, the smaller roster has also learned the importance of teamwork and patience.
Sophomore center defender Haylee Alvaranga stated, “Having to have more patience helps with being a better team player by allowing you to listen, communicate, and work well with others.”
Smaller teams sometimes mean less help. Players said patience in waiting their turns, along with communicating, thinking of others, and listening, tends to be a key virtue in being a team player.

Senior team captain Abi Lemon stated, “facing tough opponents while staying optimistic” will be the Red Devils’ biggest challenge to overcome this season.
Meeting this challenge while struggling under pressure can be hard but effective, according to Lemon. The new players joining the team are both helpful and encouraged.
“It is a great experience to try something new; no matter how good someone is, their talent is needed. Everyone has unique talents and skills that can contribute to the team and make a lasting difference,” said Alvarenga.
The players described a welcoming environment as they prepare for their opponents, and they’re ready for just anyone to join the team. Hoping to be at their their peak by the time they play local rival Floyd Central, the Red Devils have the chance to turn their early challenges into motivation to prove what they can accomplish.
Lemon shared her ways of keeping a positive mindset for herself and the young team.
“Always put God first, making sure to keep your head up. While lifting up the people around you, also allowing them to lift you up.”
All photos by Malachi Conrad, Logan Vidt, and Mason Ridge.









by Austin Bainbridge
New JHS football coach Nick Cotner came into the position in mid-July, five months later than every head coach in the area after former head coach Doug Preston resigned. However, he still feels ready for this season.

“We haven’t felt rushed since most of these guys have run spread before; they know the formations. It’s all just a different name. I feel like we’re ready,” said Cotner, who previously coached at Scottsburg.
Cotner knows that coming in so late means he still needs to find a connection with his players to lead to success.
“Players don’t care what you know until they know you care. So I make sure everybody knows I’m here to stay and I want what’s best for them,” he said.
Players said they feel how much Cotner cares and wants success for the Red Devils.
“He really wants to win here and not quit on Jeff. He really wants to build a program here where we can win every year,” said sophomore linebacker General McLain.
The players can also feel the trust their new coach has in them.
“Cotner really helps me to be the best player, he believes in me even though I’m undersized for my position,” said junior center Jacob Fifer.

Cotner wants to be a mainstay at JHS and the local community.
“I’m here to stay. I want to build a real program here. I’ve been to a couple of the middle school practices so they can know who I am. I’ve lived here since 2020, so I really feel like part of a community,” he said.
Even with most doubting the team with Cotner at the helm, the players still have confidence.
“He’s (Cotner) just such a great guy. He really keeps us in check, and I even think with him we could go 9-0 this year,” said junior tight end and defensive end Tristan Newby.
Even in his short tenure as head coach, Cotner has already gained respect from his team.
“He’s really stepped in like a good leader. Everyone has to earn reps, and he often says that small things lead to big things. I think that really helps us stay focused, especially at practice,” said freshman lineman Collin Kenedy.
Cotner still tries to relate to his players to understand what they are going through and how to get them to perform better.
“I think I’m a detail-oriented coach; we hold our players to standards. I think being a young coach – I’m only 36 – they can still see that I’ve played the game, and I feel like they know I care,” said Cotner.
The players don’t have blind confidence in their coach, but also because they’ve seen his success.
“Scottsburg has won sectionals, which we haven’t done. And he’s bringing a winning mentality. Along with giving everyone goals,” said McLain.
Even with all the expectations surrounding the team, Cotner still takes time to reflect on his success.
“Ever since I was 16, I’ve dreamed of being a head coach. So this is truly a dream come true, even if it’s an unconventional way of getting the job, I’m grateful,” said Cotner.
The Red Devils play at Lawrence Central tonight.
All photos by Parker McCloskey, Malachi Conrad, and Eva Harbeson.


























All photos by Malachi Conrad and Logan Vidt.
All photographs by Malachi Conrad; click on each image to view the gallery below.








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








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






