By DAVE THOMAS
With some teams halfway through their seasons or already approaching the end of regular season action, wins are accruing for a number of fall sports teams at Patrick Henry High.
On the gridiron, Patrick Henry came into October sporting a 3-2 record for head coach J.T. O’Sullivan.
“We are excited about the second half of the season and league play,” O’Sullivan said. “We need to continue to improve. Hopefully, we will play our best football down the stretch.”
O’Sullivan noted the Patriots have been led to date by the likes of junior Kai Jessie (wide receiver/safety), sophomore Elijaih Lux (running back), senior Raymond Bernard (middle linebacker/running back), senior Daniel Karimu-Sanchez (nose guard/offensive guard), senior Matthew Castillo (quarterback), sophomore Omar Hammond (free safety/wide receiver) and senior Kadeem Bakare (corner back/wide receiver).
Patrick Henry rounds out its October schedule with games slated against Kearny High (Oct. 11, home), at Mission Bay High (Oct. 18), and at Scripps Ranch (Oct. 25).
On the links, the Lady Patriots sported an 8-3 record for head coach Chad Miller, including five straight wins.
“We’re being led by strong consistent play from junior Lili Archuleta and freshman Jenel Mallari; both have medaled multiple times,” Miller said. “Seniors Emma Abbe and Zoe Benink, juniors Jojo Lampinen and Lily Thomas, sophomore Kylie Munro, and freshman Mackenzie Nabors have all contributed to the winning streak.
“We’re looking forward to continued growth on the golf course, and are aiming to play our best golf heading in to the City Conference Tournament at Balboa Golf Course on Oct. 21,” he added.
In girl’s volleyball play, the Lady Patriots came into action this month with a mark of 14-8 for head coach Alyssa Hernandez.
Hernandez noted key players to date have included senior Aubriel Duncan at middle blocker; sophomore Ava Lewison-German at outside hitter; and sophomore setter Chelsee Trendler.
“This season has been a great opportunity for growth as we replaced seven graduates this past season,” Hernandez commented. “We have created a new mindset that we call ‘Patriot pulse’ – it’s not just about volleyball but community. Creating a program that connects the players to each other on all three levels. We walk in each day ready to compete with each other and for each other. Thus far our success is seen most when we keep our focus on being unified and working with one heart. We are lucky to have consistent talent entering our program but our focus is also on who they become when they leave our program.”
— Dave Thomas is a San Diego-based freelance sports writer.
