Varsity football mauls Bears in first game of season

photo by Bailey Fisher

Linebacker Zachary Self gets ready to tackle a Winter Springs running back. The team’s defense has allowed less than 20 points in each of its three season openers since the Ziglar era began.

Justin Baronoff, Staff Reporter

On Friday, Sept. 4, the varsity football team beat Winter Springs, 27-17, in their first game of the regular season.

“I felt good coming into the game,” head coach Phil Ziglar said. “Last week was a bye-week, so we corrected any mistakes we had against Freedom High School in preseason to be ready for this game.”

The team scored their first touchdown of the season late in the second quarter with a 70 yard pass to wide receiver Scooter Duran from quarterback Zach King.

Later on, running backs Gabe Diaz and Marius Johnson, as well as wide receiver Alex Swenson each scored a touchdown of their own.

“My touchdown just felt so great,” Diaz said. “To know that it was a game-changer got me so hyped.”

Towards the end of the game, King suffered an injury and did not return to the game. He will get an MRI on Tuesday.

“I heard and felt the pop when it happened,” King said. “It’s not out of the question that I’ll play again this season, but it is likely.”

Early last season, King suffered a broken leg in practice, causing him to miss the rest of the season.

Junior Marco Weimer, the backup quarterback, is the most likely candidate to replace King, should a replacement be necessary.

“I just have to remain confident and focus on the road ahead,” Weimer said.

The team plays at Oviedo next week at 7:00.

To check out the photo gallery from the game, click here.

To hear a clip of the interview with head coach Phil Ziglar, click below

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