Walnut Grove Soccer vs. Winder Barrow and Jefferson

On Friday, February 13th, 2026, the Walnut Grove boys and girls varsity soccer teams brought home a win against Winder Barrow with a score of  7-2 and 10-0. On Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, the boys also won against Jefferson with the score being 4-0. Unfortunately, the girls lost 0-5. 
​​by Gracie Edwards and Elly Croft

Girls vs. Winder Barrow
The girls varsity soccer teams defeated Winder Barrow 7-2. Some players say that they won because of how they worked together as a team. 

Sophomore Lulu Smoot mentions, “The way we played as a team made us stronger.” She also talks about how her teammates push each other to be better. She says, “We always hype each other up and have positive things to say about each other.” When asked about the score during half time, Lulu stated, “Half time being 6-0 made us feel better about going into the second half.” 

Boys vs. Winder Barrow
The boys varsity soccer teams defeated Winder Barrow 10-0. The players mention that being together as a team is the main reason they won.

Sophomore Bryson Utes-Fouser explains, “Playing together, trusting each other, and the ability to put so much trust into one another is the reason why we had such a big win.” Bryson was asked "What was the biggest obstacle you faced during the game?” He responded by saying , “There was a player that was really good on the ball, so we had to figure out how we would contain him.” Bryson also mentioned, “It took a minute to figure out the pattern but once we did, we started to do better.”

Girls vs. Jefferson
Unfortunately, the girls lost 0-5 against Jefferson County. They explain why they didn't do so well and how they could have improved.  Sophomore Alyn Moon states, “Our defense is good at getting the ball and our passes” “By encouraging me and talking to me about what I can work on.” How Alyn's teammates help her on the field is, “By encouraging me and talking to me about what I can work on.”  The turning point was,  “Whenever we were kicking up and none of our 4s were able to retrieve it.” When asked what the biggest obstacle was she stated, "I can work on” “Whenever we were kicking up and none of our 4s were able to retrieve it.” “How we were flat footed and needed more communication” The biggest challenge she faced was, “The hard pressure and making sure I had a man, and not letting goals go in.”

Boys vs. Jefferson
The boys won against Jefferson County with a score of 4-0. One of the players, Kweku, explained how they worked together.  Sophomore Kweku Assan stated, “We were good on passes and keeping us without touches and keeping possession of the ball” “To pass better and ball control.”  His teammates helped him on the field, “To pass better and get better ball control.” The turning point of the game was when they scored 3 goals. But Kweku states that the biggest obstacle was “The bad refs.”



With improved teamwork and stronger communication on the field, the team has shown steady growth compared to last season. Their recent performances reflect greater confidence and consistency, proving they are on track for a much more successful year.