Known mainly for its perennial top 10 national academic ranking, Jacksonville’s Stanton College Preparatory School also features numerous competitive athletic teams. The 2017 girls varsity soccer team reached the Class 3A state championship game versus Merritt Island High School. Merritt Island won 1-0 after two overtime periods and a 4-2 shootout win.
In the Game met with Stanton head coach Brian Heggood and asked him about his team and season.
Describe the championship game. What led to the final score?
We were on defense for most of the first half due to poor offensive possessions. Fortunately, the defense held while we adjusted to the pressure and speed of the game. In the second half, we applied more pressure to Merritt Island’s back line to get more offensive opportunities.
The scoreless tie after regulation resulted from timely defense on both sides, good goalkeeping, and a few missed opportunities in front of goal.
The final score from penalty kicks resulted from Merritt Island’s goalkeeper making big saves on our girls’ strong attempts. Our goalie, Lauryn Harold, guessed correctly but could not stop their shots completely.
Describe your season. Did you exceed expectations? How tough of a schedule did you play?
We started the season expecting to rebuild after losing 10 seniors from last year, but this year’s team quickly showed they would not settle for anything less than matching last year’s accomplishments. We definitely met our expectations. We always look to improve, so when we kept winning, we adjusted our expectations even higher.
We played many quality opponents in North Florida, including Creekside, Ponte Vedra, Bolles, Fleming Island, Nease, Palm Coast, and Episcopal in the regular season out of conference and out of district. We played Bartram Trail in the preseason.
After the winter break, we began the Gateway Conference tournament, facing Fletcher, Atlantic Coast, and Mandarin.
Which teams did you defeat throughout the playoffs?
District: Suwannee (8-0 final score), Terry Parker (8-0)
Regional: Menendez (4-1), Ponte Vedra (1-0), Gulf Breeze (3-1)
State Semifinal: Land O’Lakes (2-1; 4-3PKs)
Who were your key players?
Seniors Alyssa Mahar and Christina Rushing provided tremendous leadership. They were the key to our offense and defense in the center of the field. Alex King and Camille Prosswimmer were also huge on defense, and they were big playmakers for us on corner kicks. Alex and Camille scored three goals in the playoffs, and Camille took all of our free kicks.
Front liners Imani Ashman, Madelyn Debski, Kristen Norton, and Leena Vashi stretched opposing defenses thin and provided timely scoring. All four are freshmen, so I conveniently spread the work between this talented foursome. Lauryn Harold (goalkeeper) thrived in the playoffs. She controlled her box and made some big saves in all regional games. We also got great timely defense from our outside backs, Lindsay Schmitt and Hannah Fischer.
Which players have a chance to play college soccer?
Senior Alyssa Mahar signed with Concord University in West Virginia.
Junior Naja Ashman was hurt this season (ACL), but she has an excellent chance to play at the next level. Junior Lindsay Schmitt should have some options, too. Sophomore Alex King and freshmen Imani Ashman and Camille Prosswimmer should draw attention, too.
What additional thoughts would you like to add?
I’m very proud of the accomplishments of this team this season. They won the Gateway Conference and the District Championship and made it to the State Championship game. We didn’t win, but I think the girls are determined to put in the work to try to return next season.
Congratulations to the 2016-17 Stanton Lady Blue Devils on a terrific season.
Stanton Blue Devils
Class 3A State Championship
Written by: Raymond Bureau
Photography by: Raymond Bureau
