Aspen's Sideline Views

It was a very emotional game on Sept. 19 at Carter High School. That night at 7 p.m. the Hornets (4-0) played against the Red Devils (2-2). The Carter football community mourned the loss of Coach Clyde Moore who was a part of the football staff for more than 20 years. He fought a long, hard battle against diabetes. 

The Hornets played tough but it was not enough to destroy the Red Devils undefeated season. The Red Devils celebrated their conference win with a score of 19-18. 

“This win meant a lot, but we are ready to keep working,” star player Jake Parris stated.  “The season isn’t over yet.” 

The start of the game was set at a slow pace. Both teams went into the second quarter with zero points. Senior wide receiver Jake Parris later pushed the momentum forward for the Red Devils. Intercepting the ball, he scored after a 64-yard reception making the score 6-0. Pass then incomplete in attempt for a two point conversion.

Carter all fired up too the ball down the field. Running back Nick Davidson ran for a 28-yard touchdown. The Hornets took the lead after Eric Chacon’s two-point conversion, 8-6. 

After the game Nick Davidson said “Being injured last season was very hard sitting out and watching my boys, but it feels great to be back. Just got to keep pushing.” 

Red Devils’ first down and ten, Brett Mcmahan runs up the middle for a 49-yard touchdown. First kick of the game, Halls missed the extra point, 12-8. 

Well into the third quarter, Nick Davidson scored his second touchdown for Carter at their own 45 yard line. 15-12 the Hornets tried to pull an upset. Leader in field goals, Carter added three more points to the board with a minute left in the third quarter 18-19.

In the beginning of the fourth quarter the Red Devils make the last score of the game. Inside the one yard line, Humphrey hands off to the side and Brett Mcmahan reaches the end zone, 19-18. 

After a game full of rushing yards, time ran out for the Hornets and the Red Devils took home the Victory. 

In a very competitive field, there are many elements taken into consideration to become an expert on and off the sidelines. Traveling, attending top games, meeting teams and athletes is all very exciting, but sports reporters must be prepared.  

Sports reporting can come across as a so called “fun job,” but besides all the special opportunities, we can’t forget to stay on our toes. The games and up to date news is set at a very fast pace. Stats, scores and much more must be updated as soon as possible in order to please your audience. There is always a constant change. 

When writing our stories it is important to focus on the stylistic points. In order to be trusted as a reporter we must base our stories off of facts and have reliable sources. This means interviewing people ourselves. It is very important to be confident and have an idea about what questions we may ask. 

Assistant media relations director at the University of Tennessee Shane Switzer said “I am always trying to better my writing.” Even though you may have your career set there is still so much you can learn.

Growing up and even more now, I admire all the female reporters in this field. Being a women myself I see how hard it is through media. Erin Andrews is one of the most successful reporters but went through many obstacles along the way. 

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She said in an interview with Sarah Bronner, “if you don’t have a thick skin you need to get out.” 

There will be comments about ourselves and about our work but we must learn to move on and focus on what matters. Our story. 

As a sports reporter it is okay not to know about every sport perfectly, but it is important that we try to become an expert before going out to the job. Study as much as possible about the team, the game and past stats. Success will come with preparation! 

Tennessee women’s soccer will gain home field advantage back on Sept. 18 against UC Davis. The game will be played at Regal Soccer Stadium, scheduled for 7 p.m. and broadcasted on SEC Network. Updates will also be found on utsports.com. and twitter @Vol_Soccer. 

The Vols now hold a 5-1-1 record losing only to Rutgers University, played in NJ. This past Sunday the team hit the road to New England to play against UMass. Both teams scored a total of 3 goals and played tough but it was not enough for our Lady Vols to take home the victory. For the first time this season the Vols went into double overtime and brought back a tie. 

In the 37^thminute, Sonia Ouchene Salónput points on the board, tallying her second goal of the season. Senior forward Vignola scored 2 more goals for UT. One from a penalty kick and the other assisted by Maya Neal, passing by Minutewomen’s back line. Vignola leads the team with 4 goals this season.  

This Wednesday UC Davis travels from Calif. to Knoxville with a 4-2-0 record. A talented Aggies squad is led by head coach, Tracy Hamm. She is new to the program just as of May 2019. 

Lady Vol head soccer coach, Brian Pensky, on goes his eighth season at UT. Last year he helped Tennessee gain their highest winning percentage. Moving onto the eighth game the Vols are ready to keep the momentum moving forward.  

Tennessee will be looking to defeat UC Davis in order to keep their home winning streak. So far they have won 9 straight games at Regal Soccer Stadium and are ready to make it ten. 

This will be Tennessee’s last non-conference regular season game and they will go into it ranked 21^st in the NCAA. They have never played against the Aggies before making this an exciting game to watch.