The reigning CLass 2A State Champions make their Spring Debut minus some pretty big names on the roster, but the lack of “star” power shouldn’t be cause for concern. The team still has plenty of firepower on both sides of the ball to cause damage in their district and well into the playoffs, but for now? Let’s quickly hit on the things that we should be paying attention to as they head to “The Muck” to play Pahokee this evening.

1) It’s not your Mama and Daddy’s muck anymore…
Times have reached all-time low status for the public schools that surround the Lake Okeechobee Region. If not for a resurgent Clewiston squad and Immokalee’s recent flash a couple years back, the overall landscape just isn’t as intimidating as it once was. The brand created by Glades Central and Pahokee in terms of national significance is all-but a distant memory and the atmosphere (albeit STILL one of the best around) won’t be one of make it out “dead or alive”. Winning in an atmosphere like that no matter how subdued it may be compared to years’ past will still be more valuable than just about anything else for this young team.

2) The past is the past…
Rings and title and aside, that was LAST season. This season comes with the same goals, but perhaps with a little more adversity along the way. Adversity is something that may not be new to the staff, but it may come as a bit of a learning process for guys that will have to face 6A-Port Charlotte in their Fall Classic, then go Pasco, Berkeley Prep, Northside Christian and Admiral Farragut before entering district play. One thing that cannot be taught is the willingness to get better. You’re either born with it or not. It appears many of the players that will be asked to step up are ready to get better which means greatness for Victory Christian could be on the horizon once more.

3) It’s just as good to be lucky as it is to be good…
The one thing beyond Victory Christian’s control is injuries. With a small roster, obviously guys are asked to play both sides of the ball. We’d give anything to be between the ages of 15-18 and to have the physical stamina to play the sport at its highest level. Sometimes the body doesn’t cooperate and injuries happen. Players will have to learn how to play hurt and know the difference between hurt and injured; injuries cause time to be missed, but the hurt is temporary. As long as the Storm can avoid the bad luck of injuries, their depth won’t be an issue.