As FHSAA competition gets back into full swing, another season dawns upon all Florida high schools. This athletic season, The Navigator presents a new weekly format to include updates and exclusive coverage of Fort Lauderdale High School athletics. Welcome to This Week in Sports. (Week of 8/21/23-8/25/23)

VARSITY FOOTBALL:

The Flying L Varsity football team played their second game of the season against the Deerfield Beach High School Bucks; blowing them out 20-0 in  an important win that pushed the team record to 2-0. For the second season in a row, the Bucks have fallen to the Flying L’s in convincing fashion.

Head Coach Richard Dunbar III is optimistic about this season’s campaign and believes the team can keep the winning train going.

“I’m very optimistic. It’s a week by week, case by case game. We never overlook anyone either,” Dunbar commented. “What also makes me very optimistic is that the athletes are buying into what we as a staff are selling, and they are working hard to execute the schemes that we’ve been putting into place.”

New starting quarterback Jayden Chico (10) had a great game, with some hiccups in between as he recorded a statline of two touchdowns, three interceptions, 187 total yards, and a QB rating of 76.5. Chico also had an impressive 54 yard pass within the game. 

Dunbar spoke on Chico and his offensive performance, and what will be worked on further in practice.

“One, he is young. He is also this big statue; but from a maturity level he is still learning how to protect the football,” Dunbar said. “There were some misreads and some error throws there; we just have to continue to hammer in practice and as the season progresses, he [Chico] will continue to evolve and get better.”

A new year brings new faces and promotions to the varsity squad. Dunbar talked about the notable changes he’s made to this year’s squad.

“Dryan Jean (11) is one, that is definitely a name to be on the lookout for. He had an interception in the game last week, almost had two! He also almost had one in the Fall Classic game against Coral Glades High. He had 5 tackles against Deerfield as well, so he is definitely a name that sticks out,” Dunbar shared. “Another name that sticks out is Hemerson [Vilis] (10), he is a running back that probably should be on JV for his sophomore season, but the position needed depth, the roster needed depth. He’s up with the varsity guys and giving us some great play. For someone to be 5’4”, 150 lbs, he’s doing his thing. We are absolutely proud of him and can’t wait to see more from him.”

GIRLS VARSITY VOLLEYBALL:

The Flying L’s Girls Varsity volleyball team had two games last week. On Tuesday, they faced off against the Western High Wildcats in their second game that would end 0-3, with Western winning every set. The ladies did put up a valiant effort in each set, keeping it consistently close.

Their third game took place on Thursday, against the Chaminade-Modonna High Lions. It also resulted in a tough loss for the girls, with the final outcome being 1-3. The team kept it close when it mattered.

UPCOMING GAMES (WEEK OF 9/4/23-9/8/23):

Girls Volleyball (JV and Varsity):

-@ Plantation High School – Tuesday 9/5/23 (JV at 4:30pm, Varsity at 6:00pm)

-@ Cooper City High School – Wednesday 9/6/23 (JV at 4:30pm, Varsity at 6:00pm)

Varsity Football:

-@ Archbishop McCarthy High School – Thursday 9/7/23 at 7:00pm

Don’t know where to buy tickets? Look no further! Follow this link to be redirected straight to Fort Lauderdale High’s GoFan page: http://bit.ly/flhstickets