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Volume IX • Issue 5 Your Hometown News Source • zephyrhillsfreepress.com October 8, 2020

Wheels Up For Meals

Meals On Wheels Unveils New Purchase, Community Plan

Vote
Story and photos by Dave Walters
For most, 2020 is a year they would
rather forget. But, for East Pasco Meals
on Wheels Executive Director Beth Ray
Aker, this year is the start of an amazing
future for her organization and the
by Dave Walters people they serve.
East Pasco Meals on Wheels, which
Early voting in Pasco County for the
has been delivering meals to those in
upcoming general election begins Oct.
need for more than four decades, has
19 and Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco
taken the giant leap to purchase a new
and Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley
facility to expand its already massive
are reassuring voters that they can
effort. The organization provides meals
expect a safe environment at all early
to 130 people daily throughout east
voting locations and election day polling
Pasco through its delivery service.
places.
The organization has called its 1,200
According to Corley, the offices have
square-foot facility at 38145 15th Ave.
partnered in the past to provide election
home for 25 years where it provides
security and, in joint recognition of the
meals for those who are elderly, disabled
vital role elections play in our country,
and shut-in. In addition, it provides
they are once again committed to
thousands of pounds of food to 12 local
the citizens of Pasco County to safely East Pasco Meals on Wheels Executive Director Beth Ray Aker stands outside the food banks. Drivers travel 150 miles
exercise their right to vote.
organization’s new home that will feature more than four times more space for
“With social distancing, the safety
food storage and a community center. Meals • Continued on Page 4
Vote • Continued on Page 3

Squad
Seniors
Honored
Despite Loss, Lady
Bulldogs Pull Together
Story and photos by Dave Walters
Victories have been few and far
between for the Lady Bulldogs Volleyball
Team, but the relationships they have
built easily overshadows the numbers in
the loss column.
Thursday night, seniors Laila
Huffman, Madison Aguilera, Aleah
Killebrew and Mercedes Krueger were
honored at the Dog House prior to the
Lady Bulldogs’ 3-0 loss to Gulf.
While Huffman and Aguilera have
been together since childhood, Killebrew
and Krueger are recent additions to the
ZHS volleyball family. The four seniors
were joined by their families as they
were recognized by head coach Joey
Galyan to celebrate their senior season
and soon bid farewell to the program.
Aleah Killebrew, Madison Aguilera, Laila Huffman and Mercedes Krueger flank
Seniors • Continued on Page 5 head coach Joey Galyan during the Lady Bulldogs Senior Night ceremony.
2A • October 8, 2020 Your Hometown News Source • zephyrhillsfreepress.com Zephyrhills Free Press
Zephyrhills Arrests
Dealer, Here’s The Deal
A 40-year-old Tampa man was arrested
Sept. 22 on drug charges
after a traffic stop pointed
police in the direction of
more than 50 illegal pills.
According to the ZPD
complaint affidavit,
Shane Omar Valmont of
10618 Lucaya Dr., Tam-
pa, was pulled over by ZPD for a stop sign
violation. Police saw Valmont conceal three
blue pills packaged for sale inside his hand.
A further search of Valmont yielded a plas-
tic baggie of 50 of the same pills identified
as Oxycodone Hydrochloride. A search of
Valmont’s vehicle yielded $1,300 in cash.
He was arrested for possession of a con-
trolled substance with intent to sell and
transported to the Pasco County Jail.
A 26-year-old Tampa woman is
facing multiple drug
charges after she was
caught shoplifting from
Walmart on Oct. 3. Gi-
anna Rochelle Amaro of
2521 W. Violet St., Tam-
pa, allegedly switched
price tags on four items at
Walmart and then scanned them in the self-
checkout line. She also placed a pair of sun-
glasses on her head and walked out of the
store. She was caught and arrested for the
petit theft. A search of her backpack re-
vealed much more. Police say the backpack
contained baggies of what appeared to be
methamphetamine, marijuana, Alprazolam
pills, a THC vape cartridge and a glass pipe.
She admitted to police there were drugs in
the backpack. She was charged with three
counts of possession of a controlled sub-
stance, possession of marijuana, possession
of methamphetamine, possession of drug
paraphernalia and retail petit theft. She was
turned over to the Pasco Sheriff’s Office
without incident.
A 41-year-old transient woman is facing
multiple charges includ-
ing resisting arrest and
battery on a police officer
after a night of drinking
ended in handcuffs on
Oct. 4. According to ZPD,
Heather Roach was in-
toxicated causing a dis-
turbance outside the Magnuson Hotel on
Gall Boulevard. Police added that Roach
smelled strongly of alcohol and exhibited
slurred speech. She told police she drank a
“Four Loco.” An officer told her to leave the
property or she would be trespassed. She
refused and after she was instructed that
she was trespassed she was told she would
be arrested if she returned. She walked to
the adjoining property and returned to the
hotel property five minutes later. She re-
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fused to leave again and she was ordered to
put her hands behind her back. She pulled
away from the officers and an altercation
ensued. She attempted to bite one officer
and kicked another repeatedly. Police said
a search netted cocaine, marijuana and a
small glass pipe. She was transported to the
Pasco County Jail.
A 26-year-old
Zephyrhills man was
arrested Oct. 3 for domes-
tic battery after a son al-
legedly struck his father
over a beer. According to
a ZPD report, Kevin
Clemons of 5127 10th St.
allegedly struck his father
in the back of the head
multiple times after the father took a beer
Clemons was hiding under his pillow.
Clemons denied ever hitting his father and
instead told police the father struck him.
Police said there were no visible injuries on
the victim or the defendant. Clemons was
transported to the Pasco County Jail.
A 22-year-old
Zephyrhills man was
arrested Sept. 28 for do-
mestic battery after an
argument allegedly be-
came physical. According
to ZPD, Kyle Mellerke of
38024 Lawanda Loop and
the female victim were
engaged in an argument
when Mellerke allegedly grabbed her by
the hair and pulled her head back. He re-
portedly struck the woman’s face with his
head and chest bumped the victim during
the altercation. Police say Mellerke admit-
ted to grabbing the victim by the hair. He
was arrested and transported to Pasco
County Jail.
A 22-year-old
Zephyrhills man was
arrested Oct. 4 for aggra-
vated domestic assault
after allegedly pointing a
loaded gun at his victim.
According to the ZPD
complaint affidavit, Kyle
Severino of 5201 1st St.
struck the female victim
in the right side of her head with his right
hand while saying “back off bitch.” Severi-
no then pointed a loaded pistol at the vic-
tim. He then walked out of the residence
and discharged the pistol into the ground.
The incident was caught on surveillance
camera inside the residence. He was arrest-
ed and transported to the Pasco County
Jail.
The information provided in the Zephyrhills
Police report is taken from public record
and news sources. All parties are considered
innocent until proven guilty.
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Comp. #761
East Pasco Events
Oct. 8 – Brass Tap Bingo Charity
Fundraiser for Sunrise of Pasco – Stop
by the Brass Tap, 37916 Pasco Ave. in
Dade City from 7-9 p.m. for a game of
Bingo to support Sunrise of Pasco as they
recognize Domestic Violence Awareness
Month. The first Bingo card is free then
each card after that is $2. Play for fun
and prizes while helping support a great
cause. Visit sunrisepasco.org/events/
brass-tap-bingo-for-dvam or call (352)
521-3358 for information.
Oct. 8 – Career Source Services –
Career Source is providing monthly
services at the Zephyrhills Public
Library, 5347 8th Street on the second
Thursday of every month from 10
a.m.-4 p.m. Using its Mobile One Stop
38-foot customized Winnebago Coach,
customers can look for employment,
polish and print resumes, copy and scan
materials, use email and social media,
and talk to a Workforce professional.
Visit careersourcepascohernando.com
for information.
Oct. 10 – Scarecrow Festival –
Come to the Pioneer Florida Museum
& Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum
Road in Dade City, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Build your own scarecrow, enter the
Maskoween costume contest, enjoy arts
and crafts vendors, the pumpkin patch,
pumpkin painting, pony rides, petting
zoo, carnival games, food concessions
and more. Featuring Blaise’s Bubble
Magic, Soccer Collies and other great
entertainment. Please wear your face
mask and observe social distancing
guidelines. For ticket, vendor or other
information call (352) 567-0262 or visit
pioneerfloridamuseum.com.
Oct. 13 – Tips for Managing High
Blood Pressure – This virtual health
talk by Dr. Jerry Bishop, board-certified
family medicine doctor, will take place
at Noon on the AdventHealth Dade City
and AdventHealth Zephyrhills Facebook
pages. Register by calling (833) 300-
2371 and receive an exclusive coupon
to the AdventHealth Wellness Center
Zephyrhills.
Oct. 14 – 2020 Zephyrhills Hybrid
Economic Summit – Presentations
include: Aviation Industry Impact
Study, City Growth & Expansion,
Local Pandemic Response and
presentations by Sen. Wilton Simpson,
State Rep. Randy Maggard and Pasco
County Commissioner Ron Oakley.
The event will be held from 9 a.m.-
Noon at Zephyrhills City Hall, 5335
8th Street or attend at the remote
location, AdventHealth Dade City,
12100 Ft. King Road. Both locations
are limited to the first 50 people. The
summit can also be viewed online. For
registration fees and information or
to RSVP call (813) 782-1913 or email
director@zephyrhillschamber.org. Visit
clearlyzephyrhills.com for information.
Oct. 17 – Grand Opening of Sarah
Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center
For more events visit www.pasconewspubs.com
Pasco News Publications
Publisher
Chris Drews
cdrews@pasconewspubs.com
Zephyrhills Free Press | www.zephyrhillsfreepress.com
(813) 997-1703 - www.pasconewspubs.com
– 6585 Simons Road from 10:30 a.m.-
1 p.m. Free admission. Please RSVP
to info@svbtenniscenter.com. Visit
svbtenniscenter.com for information.
Oct. 17 & 18 – 54th Annual
Rattlesnake Festival and Run
CANCELLED – The 2020 Rattlesnake
Festival and Rattlesnake Run in Dade
City have been cancelled due to
Covid-19 concerns. Visit facebook.com/
RattlesnakeFestival/ for information.
Oct. 18 – Classic Rock Pioneers –
Celebrate pioneers of classic rock at
Pioneer Florida Museum and Village,
15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade
City from 4-6 p.m. Enjoy live music
with J2 and great food. Gates open at
3 p.m. and close at 7 p.m. Please bring
your hand sanitizer, masks and follow
social distancing guidelines. Visit
pioneerfloridamuseum.org for ticket
information.
Oct. 20 – LINX: A New Option for
Acid Reflux – Attend a virtual Q&A
session with Dr. Naga Thatimatla,
board-certified general surgeon
specializing in bariatrics, at Noon
on the AdventHealth Dade City and
AdventHealth Zephyrhills Facebook
pages. Register by calling (833) 300-
2371 and receive an exclusive coupon
to the AdventHealth Wellness Center
Zephyrhills.
Oct. 22 – Z’Hills & All That Jazz –
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of
Commerce Annual Appreciation &
Awards Banquet will be held from 6-8
p.m.at the Silverado Golf & Country
Club, New Venue, 36841 Clubhouse
Dr. Visit zephyrhillschamber.org
for admisison, registration or other
information.
Oct. 27 – Keeping Your Colon Healthy
– Attend a virtual Q&A session with Dr.
Sudhir Kalaskar, colorectal and general
surgeon, at Noon on the AdventHealth
Dade City and AdventHealth
Zephyrhills Facebook pages. Register by
calling (833) 300-2371 and receive an
exclusive coupon to the AdventHealth
Wellness Center Zephyrhills.
Oct. 30 – Blue Moon at the Museum –
From 6 - 9 p.m. enjoy an outdoor night
event at the Pioneer Florida Museum &
Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road
in Dade City featuring: “A Haunted
History of Pasco County” by Madonna
Jervis Wise, book launch and signing
– listen to speakers who contributed to
the book, local chilling tales, and more;
lantern tours of museum buildings;
stroll the grounds under the blue
moon; music and food; Lanky Lassie’s
shortbread and hot cider; and more.
Regular admission applies: $10 adults,
$8 seniors, $5 students, under 5 free;
If you purchase a copy of the book “A
Haunted History of Pasco County” at the
front desk, museum admission for your
party is $5 per person. Bring a mask and
observe social distancing guidelines.
Editor Design
Dave Walters Edwin Pitts
davewalters12@msn.com pasconewspubs.design@gmail.com
Zephyrhills Free Press Your Hometown News Source • zephyrhillsfreepress.com October 8, 2020 • 3A
Gryphons Strike ‘Dogs Down
Penalties And Mistakes Drag Out Losing Streak
by Dave Walters
The Bulldogs were less than two
minutes away from their first win of
the season, but a lack of discipline put
another defeat into the loss column to
drop ZHS to 0-2 following the 14-13 loss
to Sickles High School.
Leading 13-7 with under two minutes
on the clock, the Bulldogs were a few
plays away from putting the win in the
book. Driving into Gryphons territory,
coach Nick Carroll’s Bulldogs faced a
third-down and one.
That is when everything went
sideways for ZHS.
An unsportsmanlike conduct call on
the Bulldogs pushed them back and
forced them to try to boot a field goal for
a nine point lead, but the kick missed,
and Sickles had new life.
They took advantage of the
opportunity and drove down the field
Vote • Continued from Page 1
of our poll workers and voters are
paramount,” Corley said Monday. “We
have a litany of things to secure the early
voting places and the sites on election
day.”
The Supervisor of Elections will take
the health and safety precautions at
the polling place: limiting the number
of people inside the polling place,
continuous cleaning of equipment and
surfaces, providing face shields and masks
for pollworkers, having hand sanitizer
available, providing voters with single-
use stylus pens and adhering to CDC
social distancing guidelines.
Voters are encouraged to check
registration status prior to arrival
to ensure their address is current at
PascoVotes.gov, bring a marked sample
ballot to limit the time inside the polling
room, wear a face mask, maintain social
distancing inside the polling room and
consider bringing your own pen.
COVID-19 has changed the election
process. Corley and his team got a crash
course in putting together an election
in a COVID-19 environment during the
August primary election.
“Voters have to understand that we are
in a pandemic,” Corley said. “If they didn’t
request a vote-by-mail ballot and you
want to vote in person, that’s fine. Given
the protocols from the CDC, that will
impact your wait time. It is unavoidable.
“If there is something worth waiting
for, we can all agree that it’s voting.”
The hot-button topic across the
country is the vote-by-mail process and
Corley says this election will have a
record-setting number of mail-in ballots.
Corley noted that a third of Pasco County
voters requested a vote-by-mail ballot. In
addition, there are more early voting sites
to take a 14-13 lead giving the Bulldogs
Caring And Sharing
another opportunity with 45 seconds to
play.
The chance was short-lived as the
Bulldogs turned the ball over and Sickles
rode out the clock to end the game.
“We made way too many penalties
and we made way too many mistakes,”
Carroll said. “I’m disappointed. We have
to finish. We’re undisciplined.”
The Bulldogs return to the field in
search for that first win when they
face Cypress Creek, an unscheduled
opponent. ZHS was originally set to play
Sunlake.
The schedule does not get easier as the
Bulldogs travel to face Tarpon Springs
Monday and then have Anclote at home
next Friday to wrap up the grind of three
games in eight days.
“That’s what happens when you want
to get these games in,” Carroll said.
“COVID is changing everything.”
and days to cast those votes.
“We’re rocking and rolling,” Corley
said. “Things are coming together.”
Corley can’t help providing a shoutout The Woman’s Club of Zephyrhills collected canned food and personal grooming
to the team that is keeping his plans items, including hand sanitizer, for the Samaritan Project, which serves and feeds
running smoothly in preparation for the
various ways to vote.
homeless residents in Pasco County. Left to right are Roxanne Geisenheimer from
“I’m blessed to have the people on my the Samaritan Project; Becky Finley, Civic Engagement Chairperson; and Gina
team,” Corley said. “There is a special Granger, president of the Zephyrhills Woman’s Club. Photo Provided
place in Heaven for my staff. There are
two reasons. First, is for putting up with
Oct
me and second, is for being the most
professional election administrators out
there.”
Voters who will vote in person must
provide two forms of identification. In
order to vote, voters must present both
signature and photo identification. It can
9th-11th
be one form of identification, such as a
Florida driver license, or two separate
forms of identification.
16145
Early voting in east Pasco County is
available at the Alice Hall Community
14th St
Center, 38116 5th Ave., Zephyrhills; East
Pasco Government Center, 14236 6th
Dade City
St. Dade City; New River Library, 34043
State Rd. 54, Wesley Chapel; Advent
Health Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge
8 a.m.-???
Blvd., Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass
Ranch Sports Campus, 3211 Lajuana
Furniture,
Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Christmas Decor,
All requests for mailed ballots must be
received by 5 p.m. on the 10th day prior Tools and
to the election. Lots of stuff.
For those voting by mail, ballots must
be returned to the Supervisor of Elections’
office by the voter, either in person or
ROOF LEAKING?
by mail. If the voter is unable to mail or
personally deliver the ballot, the voter
may designate a person to return the
ballot. Voted ballots must be received by
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4A • October 8, 2020 Your Hometown News Source • zephyrhillsfreepress.com Zephyrhills Free Press
Meals • Continued from Page 1
daily through the eight delivery routes.
Between the daily meal delivery and
the food provided to local food banks,
East Pasco Meala on Wheels feeds 2,500
people weekly.
The new 6,871 square-foot facility, the
former Tampa Tribune office, is just one
block west on 15th Avenue and will take
the services East Pasco Meals on Wheels
offers to a new level. It will offer more
kitchen space to prepare meals, more
storage for food, areas for volunteers and
room to serve as a community center.
Aker expects the facility to open Feb. 1 of
2021.
“It’s been on my heart for many years
when I came here that we have the
capacity and the drive to do something
more for our community,” Aker said.
“I know we can be bigger and do great
things. We can be instrumental in a lot of
different ways to help the community.”
Aker noted that earlier this year, a
2,000-pound food donation had to be
turned away because it was too large to be
housed in the current location. That was
MCKNIGHT, Terry Dennis
Terry Dennis McKnight, 75, of Dade City, passed away
Sept. 29, 2020 due to heart
complications. He is preceded
in death by his mother,
Thelma, and his father,
Russell. Terry is survived by
his wife of 44 years, Mary;
his sons, Michael, James,
and John; his granddaughter,
Sailor; and his grandsons,
William and Henry, as well
as many lifelong friends
whom he loved like family.
Terry was born on Feb. 27, 1945 in Detroit, Mich. and
as a young child moved to Tampa (Sulphur Springs)
where he went on to graduate from Chamberlain High
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the straw that broke the camel’s back. She
knew her vision to expand had to become
a reality.
“I went to the board and told them we
had to do something,” Aker said. “We can’t
be turning away donations. There are too
many people to help and they said, “OK.”
They did not have to tell Aker “OK”
twice. She was ready. Through donations
and grants, East Pasco Meals on Wheels
pulled the trigger on the purchase with
the down payment covered by grants and
donations.
“Our goal is to be more of a food bank
to help these organizations to reach even
further than we can,” Aker said. “The
community center portion of the building
will be another big portion of what we
do.”
Aker added the community center will
help unite the community. It will provide
resources such as career counseling,
veterans services, health education
classes, senior services and others will be
added.
“If there is a resource, we’re going to
try to have it involved in our community The current East Pasco Meals on Wheels location has served as their location for the
center,” Aker said. last 25 years.
Obituaries For information on submissions
email cdrews@pasconewspubs.com.
School in 1963. He earned an electrical engineering provided many nights of entertainment for friends
degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology and and family. His uncanny recall of facts made for vivid
was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. After stories and he had many to tell. In retirement he was
graduation he worked in Libya for Schlumberger, a happiest puttering in the yard, fishing in the lake and
French oil company, until the 1969 Libyan revolution. enjoying the tower, his “gazebo in the sky.” His greatest
Upon returning to Florida, he earned his Juris Doctorate joy however was the time he spent with his friends
from the University of Florida in 1974 where he served and family, especially his grandchildren. Terry would
on the Law Review. He practiced law in Dade City and jokingly say that he’s “not just another pretty face,” but
Zephyrhills with Sumner, Tyner & McKnight, served as everyone loved him for his humor, kindness, integrity
attorney for Flagship Bank, and later worked for Cross and unassuming nature. The McKnight family will host
Environmental Services. Family was always Terry’s a gathering to celebrate Terry on Oct. 11, 2020. All
focus and priority. He was enthusiastically involved in are welcome to attend the informal event, which will
the activities of his three boys, never missing a game begin at 5 p.m. at the family’s Dade City home. In lieu
or practice and even coached many sports teams. of flowers, the McKnights encourage those who knew
Words fail to express the gratitude of his family to Terry to bring or send their favorite written memories
have had Terry in his various roles as husband, father they wish to share with the family. Please visit Papa T’s
and grandfather. His collection of rock ’n roll records full obituary at www.blountcurrymacdill.com.
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Zephyrhills Free Press Your Hometown News Source • zephyrhillsfreepress.com October 8, 2020 • 5A
Senior Madison Aguilera is joined by her family during the ZHS Volleyball Senior Night
ceremony Thursday night.
Seniors • Continued from Page 1
“You hate losing them and when you’re 0-6 on the
season, you feel bad for them,” Galyan said. “These girls
are like family to me. I tried not to get emotional during
the ceremony.”
The Lady Bulldogs had three coaches over the last four
seasons with Galyan leading the way the last two years.
ZHS Senior volleyball Laila Huffman is joined by her mother
Angela during the Senior Night ceremony Thursday.
Bulldog senior Aleah Killebrew prepares to accept her flowers as part of the ZHS
Volleyball Senior Night ceremony.
“We’ve been through a lot of coaches and a lot of to play for coach Galyan has been great. I’ve known him
hardships, but this group of seniors pushed through it since I was little and now to be grown up and playing for
all,” said Huffman, who has been a force from the back him is like everything lined up perfectly.”
row. “Being a Bulldog means being yourself and doing The senior night ceremony featured gift bags, flowers
everything you can to be the best that you can be.” and a signed volleyball from the their teammates. The
Krueger, a transfer from a volleyball powerhouse in special night was coordinated by Angela Huffman, JV
Michigan, made the adjustment to play for a program coach Kristin Dumont and the JV players. The flowers
where the word powerhouse hasn’t been used in decades. were donated by Artistic Florist of Tampa.
“Coming here has opened my eyes as to how much I
can help my teammates be better players,” Krueger said.
“Regardless if I’m on a winning team or not, I’m proud
to know we all put in the effort and try as hard as we can
every time we go on the court.”
There’s a theme with this squad. Growth and a positive
attitude are common references to Galyan’s squad.
“I feel like we’ve all grown together,” Killebrew said.
“We gained a lot of love and respect for each other. It’s
easy to talk to them and know what we’re doing wrong
on the court so we can help each other.”
For Aguilera, there is orange and black running
through her veins. Being a Bulldog is a family affair as
most of her family are proud Zephyrhills alumni. She
excels in every sport she participates in earning four
varsity letters last year.
“I feel like it’s a family thing and I have to carry the
name,” Aguilera said. “Being a Bulldog has a big value Mercedes Krueger and her mother pose together during
to it. I don’t want it to end. It has been a good ride and the ZHS Volleyball Senior Night ceremony.
6A • October 8, 2020 Your Hometown News Source • zephyrhillsfreepress.com Zephyrhills Free Press
Warriors Win Makes Senior Night Sweet
Hezekiah Langley and Quavious Cook
celebrate after Langley scored in ZCA’s ZCA senior quarterback Nick Novo passed for 259 yards and four touchdowns in a 35-0 after scoring on a two-point conversion in
35-0 win. win over Zarepath Academy on senior night.
Story and photos by Dave Walters
Senior quarterback Nick Novo made his senior night
memorable going 21-for-33 for 259 yards and four
touchdowns in the Warriors 35-0 win over Zarepath
Academy (Jacksonville) Friday night.
Novo, who a year ago wasn’t even sure where he
would celebrate his senior night, threw TD passes
to Hezekiah Langley (27 yards), Kayleb Samuel (50
yards), Quavious Cook (15 yards) and Caleb Gaskin (15
yards). Running back Andrew Felder added a four-yard
touchdown run.
“It’s amazing to have a game like this,” said Novo,
who left Zephyrhills High School just before the start
of the 2019 season. “There was a lot of uncertainty this
past year. I am forever grateful that I have found a home
Senior night wasn’t just for the football players. The ZCA
senior cheerleaders were honored during the halftime
festivities.
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with this team and I thank these coaches for everything.”
Following Novo’s career night, he looked around
as his teammates celebrated and reflected on what it
means to be a ZCA Warrior.
“It’s family,” said Novo. “We all stick together. We
communicate well and we all know we have each other’s
back. At the end of the day, we are going to fight for
each other. It’s family atmosphere and I love it.”
The Warriors moved to 4-1 on the season following
the victory.
Aside from Novo’s four touchdown performance,
the night will be unforgettable for senior lineman Joel
Robinson who lined up in the backfield at tailback for a
two-point conversion. On a play called “Krispy Kreme”,
the 6-3, 300-pounder took the handoff from Novo and
barreled into the end zone for the two-point conversion
for the final points of the game.
“It’s amazing and it’s a privilege,” Robinson said.
“I find it a blessing to play the game and score on my
senior night. It is something big for me.”
Robinson, joined by his family, made the walk to
midfield during the senior night ceremony. Coming to
ZCA from the public-school system made his short time
The ZCA senior football players were honored Friday during the senior night festivities.
Joel Robinson had plenty to smile about
ZCA’s 35-0 win.
as a Warrior a memory he will never forget. It has left a
lasting impression.
“Being a Warrior has meant change for me. This is
my first year at a Christian school. Everybody here is
like family and when you have family coaching you,
teaching, playing with you, it doesn’t feel like a task.
“Being a Warrior is more than a symbol on the field,
wearing the uniform, going to school and having a crest
on your breast. It’s a family. Everybody cares for each
other no matter their differences. It has really changed
me. You come out here and it’s like your second home.”
ZCA coach Mike Smith saw his team put together a
complete game but was still disappointed by the number
of penalty yards given up.
“That will come back and bite us,” Smith said.
With the game behind him, Smith took a chance
to be thankful for his senior players who provide the
leadership for his young squad.
“They are all awesome kids. They are such a blessing,”
Smith said. “They don’t complain. They’ve been good. I
love them. They are good leaders and good kids. It is
bittersweet.
“It’s coming to a close quicker than you think.”