Bullpup boys and girls named 2023 Big Bend Champions

Danny Federico
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com

Suwannee Middle School's soccer teams earned a well-deserved Christmas break after securing the titles of 2023 Big Bend Champions on Wednesday, Dec. 20, by defeating the Riversprings Bears. It was a memorable season for both teams, with the girls remaining undefeated and the boys completing the year with a stellar 12-0-1 record.

Both teams were meant to compete in the playoffs at home on Monday, Dec. 18. However, due to a forfeit from the Quincy Jackrabbits, the girls were able to take a breather and cheer on the boys, who went head-to-head against the Marianna Bullpups for a chance to advance. The Bullpup boys didn't hold back, claiming the win by a dominating score of 8-0. The following day, Tuesday, Dec. 19, Suwannee Middle School hosted the semifinals. The girls took on the Florida High School Seminoles, while the boys took on the Quincy Jackrabbits. Both teams' dominance was evident as the girls won with a score of 2-0, and the boys won with a score of 5-2.

The Big Bend Championships took place in Live Oak the next day, Wednesday, Dec. 20. The girls, who had only allowed two goals throughout the entire season, defeated the Riversprings Bears with a hard-fought 1-0 win. The Bullpup boys, who only gave up six goals throughout the season, also faced off against the Bears and claimed Suwannee Middle School's second 2023 Big Bend Championship win, 7-0.

Suwannee Middle School has an abundance of talented students, and it's expected that the upcoming 2024 season will be another championship season under the exceptional leadership of Head Coaches Adam Hitt and Brooklyn Ross, and Assistant Coaches Felipe Yaxon, Lee Willis and Kelly Chapman. One thing is certain: with the dedication and hard work of these individuals behind the scenes, the school's soccer teams are sure to continue producing champions.