South Charlotte Sports Report “HOMETOWN TEAMS ... HOMETOWN KIDS” Volume 3, Issue 9 www.southcharlottesports.com October 9, 2008 - FREE JOHNNY O’BOYLE LACROSSE NEVER STOPS IS ON A MISSION THIS SEASON FOR ZACH MILLER A l l - p u r p o s e night for John- “I started playing lacrosse in fifth grade and have never Charlotte Catholic ny. It was rain- stopped. I’m addicted to all aspects of the game,” said 17 year football player John- ing sideways in a old Marvin Ridge High School student Zach Miller. That’s an ny O’Boyle is on a big game versus easy statement to believe when you consider that Zach and his mission this season. Olympic, yet he family turned their back yard into a lacrosse field! There is something had one touch- The son of David and Jeanette Miller is one of the top la- very special that down reception crosse defenders in the area. He thrives off of keeping the ball he is after. For the for 52 yards and away from the goal and setting his offense up for more scoring last two seasons, ran the ball twice attempts. Johnny has been a for 63 yards and “My favorite part of the game is reading the offense and member of the Cou- another touch- shutting their play down. If you can read the offense, you set gars varsity football down. yourself up to make big plays, like getting a hard hit. To me team that finished A m a z i n g l y there is no better feeling than reading the offense and creating as runner-ups in Johnny didn’t the opportunity to lay someone out. It fires my team up and the state champi- start the season makes our opponent think twice about coming down the middle onship game. He on offense. Only of the field.” has watched from after a loss to Zach’s quote makes a distance as other South Meck, did it very clear to imagine teams raised the he add offense his intensity on the la- state championship to his resume. crosse field. This is one plaque at midfield. One can’t blame player not afraid to lay This year, Johnny (Chip Auger, SCSR Action Photos) Coach Oddo for it all on the line for his wants to be the one Johnny not play- team! holding the Cham- ing offense, not Speaking of his pionship plaque and after a season on team, the Marvin celebrating with his defense where he Ridge High School teammates as an- was awarded with Maverick Lacrosse other team watches. All-Conference program should be So far this sea- and All South much improved this son, Johnny is do- Honors from The season. The Mavericks ing his part to help South Charlotte will have a senior class the Cougars Foot- Sports Report. (Jen Patterson, SCSR Action Photos) for the first time and ball Team position Johnny was one the team has devel- themselves for a run JOHNNY O’BOYLE of the hardest hit- oped a strong sense of at the title. His team should be that has ever happened to me. ting free safeties in the area. family since the school favored to win the remainder The coaching staff is great, and Now his list of positions is opened a year ago. of their regular season games the 12th man is ridiculous. Our nearly as long as the Catholic fans are the best in Charlotte. as well as the first few rounds playbook; free safety, tailback, ZACH MILLER See Miller, page 2 of the state playoffs. Many of Stepping out onto Jim Oddo wide receiver, kickoff returner these games will take place at Field on Friday nights with the and punt returner. Despite Keefer Stadium, the home of cowbells ringing and the fans not playing in the first game on the Cougars and the best fans going nuts has to be one of offense, Johnny is tied for sec- in the city. the best feelings in the world. ond on the team with touch- LAST CHANCE TO ENROLL Johnny recognizes the I wouldn’t have it any other downs, third on the team in power of the fan base at Char- way.” receiving yards and fourth on lotte Catholic. So far this season, Johnny the team in rushing yards after SOUTH CHARLOTTE “I can’t imagine playing is rewarding these fans with six games. anywhere else. Playing for great performances. The game SPORTS REPORT two weeks ago was a typical CCHS is one of the best things See O’BOYLE, page 12 South Charlotte Sports Action Photography BASKETBALL TRYOUT BOOT CAMP Call now to schedule our team of professional Call now to take advantage of our photographers to visit an upcoming game or special Fall Advertising Packages! BOYS AND GIRLS, GRADES 6-9 event. Team Photos and Action Photography 704-906-5466 704-906-5466 SEE PAGE 3 FOR MORE INFORMATION www.scsractionphotos.com Page 2 South Charlotte Sports Report Volume 3, Issue 9 MILLER Continued from front page “Last year was our year to I’m also looking forward to work- Carolina High School Athletic As- in the Charlotte area. This past record a 4.63 grade point aver- work out the kinks and get a feel ing with Coach John Dodd. He sociation sanctioning of lacrosse. summer the team went 22-2 and age at Marvin Ridge High School. for each other. We were a team has been a coach of mine in the To me it seems like it should be won two of the three tourna- His favorite classes are Advanced represented by a couple differ- past and brings a lot experience an obvious decision. Lacrosse ments they competed in. Placement Calculus and Sports ent schools, so our chemistry just to Marvin Ridge. I’m looking teams are no different than any Zach also trains year round Marketing. wasn’t there. Also everyone from forward to a solid year.” other athletic teams. We hold try at Velocity Sports Performance Zach is a determined and last year’s team is returning with Zach is also looking forward to outs, practice all week long and where he focuses on speed and hard working student-athlete. another year of experience un- a new proposal under consider- are held to the same academic agility training. The South Charlotte Sports Re- der their belts. A lot of the play- ation by the North Carolina High standards as sanctioned athletes, “Velocity has taken my game port commends him for his dedi- ers had never experienced the School Athletic Association. The yet we do not get the same rec- to another level. I believe that in cation to be the best possible la- level of competition we faced last proposal would make lacrosse ognition.” order to compete with the talent crosse player he can be and still year. Heading into the upcoming an officially sanctioned sport for In addition to his work for the level in the area you have to be keep his commitment to record- season our chemistry is starting North Carolina High Schools and Mavericks, Zach plays lacrosse constantly improving. Lacrosse ing such a fantastic grade point to come together and many of ease some of the burdens the club year round. He is a member of is almost like a full time job.” average. the new players now know what teams are facing. the Team Charlotte organiza- Amazingly, Zach is still able they’re going to be up against. “I strongly support the North tion, comprised of the best teams to find enough time in his day to PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE SOUTH LACROSSE, BASKETBALL AND A CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT AT THESE LOCATIONS FEW OTHER RANDOM THOUGHTS Play It Again Sports Charlotte All-Stars Community House Middle School Dilworth Coffee House (Hwy 521) Clearing my desk of a few things today…. Cardillo’s Omega Sports Dick’s Sporting Goods – Pineville Four Seasons Barber and Salon • The North Carolina High School Athletic Association is considering adding lacrosse as a Dick’s Sporting Goods – Matthews Dunkin Donuts (Highway 521) sanctioned sport for the 2009-2010 season. Most schools in our area have lacrosse on a club YMCA – Morrison Branch Lax Zone level which means they aren’t sanctioned by the NCHSAA to play for a state championship. YMCA – Siskey Branch Fitness For Women Mathnasium Palone’s Pizza The Director of the NCHSAA, Charlie Adams, says 48 high schools have boys lacrosse teams Southeastern Gymnastics Sports Connection Ballantyne and 42 have girls teams. I know the teams in our area are first class organizations with some Steps N’ Motion – The Fountains Peak Fitness Ballantyne incredibly talented players. The Lacrosse Clubs raise a lot of money and support their teams. On Deck Baseball Eddie’s Place Restaurant We receive a ton of feedback every time we publish a lacrosse story. It’s time for these kids to Tokyo One Express Epicenter at OrthoCarolina have their sport sanctioned and we fully support the idea of the NCHSAA adding lacrosse next Extreme Ice Center Presbyterian Urgent Care – Blakeney season. Dr. Sellers Orthodontics Presbyterian Urgent Care – Pineville La Strada Pizza BP Station near Siskey Y • We are so excited about the opening of the new Carolina Courts Basketball and Volleyball Weddington Activity Center Citgo Station near Col. Beaty Park Baskin Robbins (Highway 521) The Ice House Center on January 13th in Indian Trail. Check out their full page ad on page 13 of this issue. I Nothing But Noodles Port City Java (Downtown) know I already have a team of boys lined up to enter one of their leagues.