Maritza Tovar, Remembering Her Moment

When asked what quote inspired her, Maritza Tovar replied:

"Life is not measured by the amount of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."  
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Maritza Tovar was Benton high school's representative for JAWS (Journalists Aspiring to Work in Sports). She covered Benton Tiger football for the JAWS website in conjunction with The Tim Fletcher Show and Friday Football Frenzy radio show by documenting the games from an unique point of view... a student's.

Maritza's participation was selfless, positive and contributed to the betterment of her community by shedding light on others' accomplishments. Her time and efforts gave athletes more exposure, which increases their chances of being noticed by colleges, and gives them a better opportunity for scholarships. Her positive approach to the excitement of the game promoted school spirit and was a delight to read.

Excerpts of Maritza's coverage that contributed to the blog, as well as radio, for the Benton Tigers will be featured on the tab above dedicated to her.

Maritza explained she wanted to be a journalist because she felt it was important to capture a moment as it was happening and tell the story so the public could experience it as if they were seeing it with their own eyes.  

This week, the moment that captures us is leaving us stunned and sorrowful, but it will not tell Maritza's story.  For that, we will look back on the moments of her life.  We will wonder why she did not have more time, but she enjoyed a different perspective about life and time.

"Life is not measured by the amount of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." 

Maritza's inspiration should move us to recognize our moments.  Some we cherish, some we learn from, some are quiet and private, while others are shared with a roaring crowd.  Too many are fleeting.

Thank you, dear young lady, for your service and your message.  They will be remembered and your moment will stay captured with us forever.

An Evangel Eagle Shares A Mouthwash Memory

Cayden Alexander goes airborne!

Friday night Evangel played a thrilling game against Mansfield. Finishing out the game leaving the score at 30-6 Evangel won becoming reigning District Champs. 

Before and after the game I got a chance to speak with tight end Austin Beckermeyer #21. I asked...
What is your favorite memory from being on the team? 

Beckermeyer told me about the Ouachita game when Coach Dawson chugged mouthwash to take the bad taste out his mouth of the game prior. Beckermeyer said being apart of Evangel Christian Academy's football brotherhood has allowed him to have many great experiences, has helped him grow closer to God, and his new found brotherhood. 

Austin says the coaches are amazing and he has learned the meaning of hard work, teamwork, and dedication. 

Before the game he was excited, going into the game with a drive to keep the District Champ title. After the game Beckermeyer still had a high energy level! Having been senior night and winning District for another year Beckermeyer says that he feels the team showed good execution, but there is always room for improvement. 

He says that the whole team is excited to start their Road to the Dome and their faith is remaining strong.

Cav's Common Theme

A common theme seems to be present when discussing the Calvary football team. When asked what is one strength that sets the Cavaliers apart from the rest and why, Calvary senior Jared Marshall had an interesting perspective. Marshall is number fifty-one and a defensive tackle.

He said, "I think it's togetherness...we all ...[are] such a tight family, we all...[hang] out during the day at school..." Once again, the closeness of the Cavaliers is displayed.

Calvary's Unsung Hero: David Fitzwater

As the Cavaliers prepare to take on Homer this week, one stopped to answer the QUESTION OF THE WEEK. 

This is what senior Justice Henson, a defensive end sporting number three on the field had to say. When asked, "Who is a guy on the team that does not get enough credit for all he does," he named David Fitzwater. 

Fitzwater, a junior, is number fifty-four, an offensive lineman and defensive end. When asked why Fitzwater was chosen, Henson stated that, "It looked like he broke his hand, he thought he broke his leg, but yet, he [doesn't] complain about it." Clearly the Cavaliers have determination and endurance, and it is helping them go far.

First TD's of The Season, More To Follow!

Joey Usie #26 and Trent Jackson #24 scored their first touchdown of the season against Booker T. Washington! 

The final score being 68-8! Way to go Eagles! Look later this week for an interview with some of our senior football players!

Panthers Goals Remain Intact

The Parkway Panthers suffered their first District 1-5A loss last Thursday against Byrd.  We posed the question, 'What stands between Parkway and the postseason," to a Panther senior.

"The biggest challenge to making into the playoffs has to be playing the talented teams that are in our division, they always end up being good games to play in."
- Peyton Bush, Senior DB

All we do is win! Byrd Rolls To 8-0 Mark

The Byrd win over Parkway last Thursday at Lee Hedges gave fans another thing to be proud of- especially with Byrd’s record of being 8-0 and 2^nd in the state. 

Byrd’s backup quarterback, Deuce Caston, filled in for starter Tyler Howard again this week, and just like the 48-7 victory last week over Shreve, he did not disappoint.   

The endurance of both teams showed throughout the game leading up into a tie which led to overtime and ultimately another win for the Yellow Jackets. 

Considering Parkway is the only team Byrd lost to on the road to state in the Mercedes Benz Superdome last year, Jackets fans are excited to see what the rest of this season has to offer. 

Next week the Jackets play Southwood at Lee Hedges Stadium. Tune into jaws for recaps, photos, and more!