The Hun JV Boys Soccer team is preparing for a big away game against Lawrenceville High School, eager to extend their recent run of strong performances and showcase their resilience. With Lawrenceville’s reputation for physicality and skill, this match is a true test of the JV team’s strategy and determination. Team captain Soham Gupta ‘27 emphasizes the importance of keeping his teammates focused and locked in, especially when facing challenging opponents.
“We need serious energy to stay competitive,” he remarks, highlighting his commitment to maintaining a positive and determined atmosphere.
Soham’s leadership has been crucial to team morale; he organizes the warm-ups and drills that will prepare the team for the intensity of this game. Coach Ahmet Bayazitoglu has also prioritized resilience in training, underscoring that their season is about much more than wins alone.
“Lawrenceville has a very physical team, but we’ve been working hard to hold our own,” he explains, adding that the team’s primary focus has been on developing a supportive and growth-oriented environment where each player feels motivated.
Even with the challenge of playing on an unfamiliar field, the JV team is optimistic and prepared to face Lawrenceville with confidence. Practices leading up to the game have emphasized skills like quick passing, smooth transitions, and disciplined defense — key elements for handling a physical opponent.
“We’ve trained hard to stay focused and competitive,” shares Herschel Mallangada, one of the team’s key players, “and we all motivate each other to give our best.”
This bond among the players has been essential to their performance, with each teammate actively supporting one another during high-pressure moments. Alongside technical skills, the team places value on keeping spirits high through encouragement, high-fives, and humor.
Herschel Mallangada ‘27 shares that his teammates inspire him to perform his best, saying, “I hate seeing my teammates down, so I push myself to keep the energy up, whether it means cracking a joke or celebrating a small win.”
This camaraderie has fostered a resilient, unified attitude that has strengthened the JV team through a season filled with both highs and lows. The upcoming game at Lawrenceville High represents an opportunity for the JV Boys Soccer team to showcase their progress on a larger stage, testing both their mental and physical preparation. Coach Ahmet is aware that players lack home support at away games, but he believes the team is ready to adapt.
“There’s always a comfort level playing at home,” he acknowledges, “but when you’re on the road, you lose some of that familiarity.” Despite this hurdle, he believes the team is well-prepared, as they have shown resilience through the season’s challenges.
For the JV Boys, this game is more than just a match; it’s a chance to build on the growth and unity they’ve cultivated. Whether they win or lose, the players are proud of their journey together, and they approach each game with a shared sense of purpose, eager to give their best and leave everything on the field. With resilience, camaraderie, and dedication, they are ready to rise to the challenge and show their full potential at Lawrenceville High.
