District play to begin with positive outlook

Boys’ Fighting Farmer soccer team to face Euless tonight

After starting the year off with a 3-2-1 record before district play begins tonight, the boys’ Fighting Farmer soccer team looks to carry its positive performance into the new year. The team faces Euless Trinity in Euless tonight at 7:30.

The boys fell short on making playoffs last year, and the team had its ups and downs. Head coach Brandon McCallum hopes to carry that positive momentum from the end of the previous season.

“We were competitive in every game; we finished fifth in the previous season so we were really close making it to the playoffs so it’s something to build on,” McCallum said. “A lot of the guys from last year are back. It’s encouraging and helps out with team chemistry.”

Captain senior defender Jonathan Lara is feeling optimistic about the outcome of the games so far.

“These guys have put in a lot of work and effort coming into early practice and even in the afternoon practice,” Lara said. “We’ve gotten our results we desire, a couple wins, some loses and ties. For the main part we have some momentum and we’ll keep going.”

The boys each have their own goals set for the season, but the team has one overall goal.

“The goal for this season is definitely to make playoffs, just like every season but this year I think we have a good chance and that’s our main goal,” senior midfielder Jason Granados said.

McCallum is working to correct the minor errors existing within the team before district games begin tonight. Discipline is being added to the program in an effort to keep the boys from losing their cool during the games and encountering possible ejections.

“[He is] mainly just getting everyone to practice on time,” senior midfielder Kevin Vasquez said. “Also working with keepers to not let easy goals go in during the games.

The new district arrangement will be a challenge for the Farmers. While they have been used to facing tough teams like Allen, Plano West and Plano, the boys will now face opponents including Euless Trinity and Byron Nelson.

“I feel like every district has its challenges, but I feel like we’ll do good and make it to playoffs,” senior defender Brandon Barrows said. “I have no doubt.”