The Bakersfield High School football team isn't the only one without a home this year. With Griffith Field undergoing its year long construction, the soccer team is forced to practice down the street at Vista High. "Knowing that baseball comes here too there's going to be balls everywhere," said senior Jose Lara.
Maybe it was the unfamiliar practices or maybe it was their tough schedule but the Drillers got off to a slow start. "I don't want to run from a challenge," said 17 year coach Archie Parks on scheduling opponents. "I want to play the strongest competition we've got."
Their toughest competition yet was found in this weekend's Liberty Tournament. Lara had an assist and netted a goal in BHS' 3-1 win over Liberty, but it's his leadership in big game scenarios that stands out. "You gotta play like it's your last minute," he told 23ABC of how he captains his team. "If not you're going to regret it and high school does go by fast."
More than just his awareness that this is his final run, Parks says it's his senior's growth that makes him excited for the future. "It's good to have a kid in the program all four years because you've seen him develop. You want him trained your way," he said.
It's that "Driller way" that Lara hopes to continue the rest of the season with more performances like this weekend.
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