In a season full of surprises in the state’s largest classification, the Roswell Hornets are among the biggest.
The Hornets entered their spring break week ranked No. 2 in the state with an 11-2 mark, just one year after going 4-13-1. First-year coach Will Roney and top assistant Ryan Maffett, a Roswell alumnus, arrived with a vision of installing a fun environment. They’ve thrived by following the mantra learned from respected Hornets football coach John Ford: “Respect all, fear none.”
“We knew there was a lot of talent in this school and were confident that we’d be able to put a good team together,” Roney said. “But I would tell you that they have exceeded my expectations.”
Striker Cal Jennings has fueled the Hornets’ offense, which is averaging four goals in region play. Midfielder Arturo Hernandez has been a sparkplug and orchestrates the team from the center of the pitch.
“Those guys are our captains. They are the epitome of what captains should be,” Roney said. “Cal is your prototypical striker. Arturo isn’t the tallest guy on the field, but is always up there to win balls.”
Sophomore keeper Jose Isidoro also has contributed, making enough key saves to help put the Hornets in position for a region title.
The Hornets are 5-1 in Region 5-AAAAAA, tied with perennial power Walton atop the standings. But Roswell defeated Walton 3-2 on March 10. The Hornets can lock up the region crown next week with wins at Wheeler and at home against Woodstock. But the most intriguing game left on the schedule may be the season finale against another one of this year’s big surprises. Roswell hosts top-ranked and undefeated Chattahoochee on April 22. Like the Hornets, the Cougars missed the playoffs last season, but are headed back this year.
“It’s going to be a heck of a match, a fun match for our guys to get a chance to play,” Roney said.
Notable:
Undefeated Glynn Academy is not taking it easy on its spring break. The Terrors (11-0-1) face Mill Creek on Thursday and defending AAAAAA state champion Brookwood on Saturday, before finishing up play in Region 3-AAAAAA against South Effingham on April 14. … Brookwood, after getting off to a 9-0 start, has lost three of its last five. After Saturday’s test, the Broncos will finish up the season against Berkmar and at Parkview in Region 8-AAAAAA play. Central Gwinnett heads into the final two weeks of the regular season atop the Region 8 standings. The Black Knights will be spending their spring break in South Carolina. They’ll face Wandon (S.C.) High School today and Bishop England on Friday, before returning home to try lock up the Region 8-AAAAAA crown. Central Gwinnett (10-2, 6-0 8-AAAAAA) finish up region play at Grayson on April 14 and at South Gwinnett on April 17.
