Hit or Miss: Jen Blanco

High school seniors Dylan Tyson of Braden River and J.T. Fischer of Lakewood Ranch have been experiencing opposite ends of the spectrum. 

Tyson, a defensive lineman for the Pirates, was part of a terrific season that ended with a loss to defending Class 7A state champion St. Thomas Aquinas in the Class 7A state semifinals Dec. 4. 

Meanwhile, Fischer, a running back for the Mustangs, saw a disappointing 3-7 regular season end after a 23-21 victory against DeSoto County Nov. 6. 

Next month, those two East County rivals will unite, this time as teammates. They were invited to represent the South in the annual Blue-Grey, All-American Bowl Jan. 9, at Raymond James Stadium, in Tampa. 

Fischer and Tyson were two of five East County players invited to participate in the prestigious bowl game, which gives some of the nation’s best players the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of college coaches. 

Braden River offensive lineman Alex Salguero, running back Jaylin Austin and defensive lineman Michael Walker also were chosen, but Tyson is the only Pirate scheduled to participate. Fischer was the lone Mustang chosen for the honor. 

“Being selected means the world to me,” Tyson said. “I know that anyone could have been selected, and the fact that I was one of them is amazing. Wherever I go, I'm always representing my school, as well as my family, and with this I feel that I represented them very well.” 

The two East County players learned they had been selected at the beginning of November and after the initial shock wore off, Fischer and Tyson both were overcome with excitement at the possibility of being able to showcase their talents. 

Both players share a passion for football and have aspirations of continuing their careers at the next level. They are looking forward to learning more about the game and seeing how they stack up against some of the nation’s top prospects. 

Fischer said he was honored that the all-star game would give him a chance even though he hasn't received any significant offers from college programs. “I am just a football player who wants to play the game and be that teammate who will do whatever it takes to make the team better,” he said. 

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The Braden River Soccer Club 10U Maroon girls soccer team captured a silver medal at the Soccer Skills Thanksgiving Cup Nov. 28 and Nov. 29 at the Braden River Soccer Club. 

Braden River allowed a tying goal to the Tampa Lady Rangers Blue team with only 10 seconds remaining in regulation to knot the score at 3-3 in the Silver Championship game.

Tampa beat Braden River in penalty kicks for the title

Congratulations to all nine Braden River players for never backing down and leaving it all on the field. They were Paige McElyea, Sara Zona, Abbey Burwood, Brinley Beorlegui, Brandi Maslar, Jamie Bolduc, Lauryn Strom, Amy Zona and Gwyneth Rustin.