Checking in on Fall Sports

Hey Bengals, 

With the fall sports season officially underway, teams across the school are settling into competition and finding their rhythm. A couple of weeks into the season, our Bengal teams have already faced tough matchups, celebrated key wins (some BIG NEC wins) and learned from early losses. From the field to the court, the fall season is beginning to take shape—and there’s still plenty of competition left to come. Here’s a run-down of the teams’ early season results.

Cheerleading – The Blake Cheer Squad is ready to cheer on the football team this fall, while honing their routines to prepare for their competitions later in the year.  Last year, they participated in the 37th annual cheerleading competition on Oct. 25. Although they didn’t place, they are working hard to be able to place this year at counties!

Cross Country– Coach Oxley is ready for this season, saying, “We are excited this year to be coming off a big summer build. Many of the successful programs in the area will work together throughout the summer and come into the season with a strong base . The kids are looking great and we would love to send many athletes to the state meet!”  Senior Zachary Oh looks to improve on a strong junior season, and he’ll be among the best runners in the county.  Already, Oh had a duel-meet victory against Damascus.

Field Hockey– Field Hockey is determined to keep striving even with a new coaching staff, having each other’s backs!  Senior team captain Claire Isaacs says, “Our team has lots of new players so goals for this season are getting better at communication and connection. It’s great to build a good team environment, where everyone feels comfortable and excited about coming to practice!”

Flag Football– Flag football has had an improvement since last year Sophomore Captain Saniyah Watson says, “Since the season has started we’re currently undefeated 5-0 and were just focused on keeping our record, staying undefeated because last year our season was rough. This year I feel like we really improved! We’re just ready to start new, starting strong and keep it like that!”

Football– Football is off to a solid start with a record of 2-1, with a huge game tonight against local rival Sherwood. Coach Marshall describes this year’s vision as “the best version of ourselves each and every day while representing our school and community with pride. On the field, we want to go 1-0 each week and give ourselves a chance to be the last team standing in December.”

Golf– Off to a slow start, the golf team has gone 0-2 so far this fall.  Junior Philip Premdas and others hope to continue to improve and get ready for the County Tournament in October.

Pickleball–  This year pickleball is ready to have a great season Coach Sawadago says, “Our goal for this year is to spread the word and enthusiasm of pickleball throughout the school community.  It’s a sport that’s social, competitive, physical, and mental – not to be underestimated.  It’s like a game of chess: where there’s an opening, take it and win the point!.”

Poms– Poms are off to a good start, conditioning and working together improving every step of the way! Although they don’t have any competitions during the fall season they still perform at football games, practicing their routines and getting ready for competitions. After not placing last year at counties, they are working to be able to place this year in the winter!

Boys Soccer– The boys are off to a record of 2-2, including an impressive 8-0 win over NEC rival Springbrook.  Senior team captain Alhaji Koroma says, “Our goal for the soccer team this year is to keep improving our teamwork and communication on the field so we can win more games. We want to make it to the playoffs and hopefully bring home a championship for our school.“  Good luck Bengals!

Girls Soccer– The girls are ready to celebrate after scoring on their opponents hoping for the best! Senior captain Cameron Lang says, “We had a shaky start to the season so our goal is just to win more games and feel more together as a team!”  The girls currently have a 1-3 record, with NEC rivalry games coming up.

Girls Volleyball– Bump! Set! Spike! Although the girls volleyball team is off to a rough start with a 1-5 record following a tough five-set loss to Paint Branch, they did beat NEC rivals Springbrook 3-1! They are going to work hard to beat Magruder and Sherwood to end September!