The Tavares Middle School co-ed soccer team finished the season on a high note, winning two of its last three games.  A controversial rule change at the end of the season prevented the team, as well as several other schools around the county, from competing in the usual district tournament.

"We're disappointed," said Coach Kevin Von Maxey.  "Our students were told they were going to play in the championship tournament and then it was taken away from them.  I feel bad because they put in so much hard work throughout the season.  I know many other schools feel the same way"

Instead, the tournament will feature only the top four out of twelve Lake County teams including Gray, Windy Hill, Eustis, and Umatilla.  Tavares finished fifth in points.  Originally, all teams were invited to the tournament because each school set their own regular-season schedules and opponents. 

Tavares started the season with a ties against the Villages and Carver, a win against South Lake Charter, but then stumbled in mid-season before regaining their winning form.  The Patriots defeated soccer powerhouses Windy Hill 4-1 and East Ridge 1-0 in consecutive games before falling to undefeated Gray in their closest game of the year. 

"I could not be happier with our effort this season," said Von Maxey.  "In our losses we may have lacked focus or aggression but at no time did any team ever play harder than we did.  That's a tribute to our eighth grade leaders and our captains, J.J. Perry and Kyle Worfel."

The Tavares team was characterized by teamwork and unselfish play.  Seven different players--Angel Rodriguez, David Buckner, Shamir Davis, Anna Didion, Cole Higginbotham, J.J. Perry, and Forrest Wooster--scored goals for the varsity squad and four players--Connor Urbon, Michael Crowe, Kyle D'Souza, and Nate Wooten--found the back of the net for the JV. 

The Tavares Patriots also had arguably the best defense in the county, running an unusual 5-4-1 system with sweeper Kyle Worfel and defensive backs Emily Imboden, Kallie Santos, Adam Hays, and Forrest Wooster.  

Varsity Roster:  David Buckner, Shamir Davis, Anna Didion, Briana D'Souza, Marty Eastman, Adam Hays, Cole Higginbotham, Emily Imboden, Breanna Ledford, J.J. Perry, Bradley Richardson, Kallie Santos, Quentin Shaffer, Connor Urbon, Stuart Wetherington, Forrest Wooster, Kyle Worfel

JV Roster (6th and 7th grade): Jacob Austin, Brian Buckner, Michael Crowe, Bayden Dora, Kyle D'Souza, Morgan Gratwick, Joey Meany, Christian Sears, Nate Wooten