MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- The middle school co-ed soccer team from Quantico Middle/High School stretched their muscles at Butler Stadium on Sept. 16, 2013, in preparation for the third regular season game. Their opponents were the Hawks from Highland School, Warrenton.
Although a smaller and less-experienced team, the Warriors ran through their warm-up drills with discipline and determination.
“Traditionally, Highland is a pretty good school,” said Jordan Greene, middle school soccer coach. “They field a pretty good team of skilled players. We have a talented team, but they’re young.”
On the referee’s signal, the seventh and eighth graders began the first of two 35-minute halves.
“I want our defense to learn to press up,” said Greene. “We also need to improve our defense and communication. That is key. We have to communicate.”
Greene stood on the sideline and modeled that idea, by calling out commands to his players as they battled the Hawks.
Although Justin, 13, scored Quantico’s first goal of the season, they finished the first half trailing their opponent 5-1.
“I love to play soccer,” said Carson, 13, Quantico soccer player. “Our team can do a lot of things, they just don’t really know it yet.”
Greene affirmed Carson’s statement by acknowledging the team is going through some growing pains, but also noted the future he envisions.
“We need to work on some things,” said Greene. “But, they’re a talented group.”
The final whistle blew and the referees marked the final score, Highland, 7, Quantico, 1, as the players and coaches lined up to exchange pleasantries.
“I love coming to Quantico,” said Scott Pragoff, Highland head coach. “They play hard. I like that they don’t back off or give up, no matter what’s happening.”
Regardless of winning or losing, some believe that soccer is a good way to learn about life.
“I’ve made a lot of friends on the team,” said Carson. “My parents are proud that I am on the team. They’re happy that I’m actually playing something.”
The Warriors are scheduled to play Highland again today, in Warrenton at 3:30 p.m.
Correspondent: samuel.l.ellis@usmc.mil