New Start, New Beginning

Tommy Lupo

Staff Writer

 

The new college football season is underway. There have already been upsets and blowouts, but the biggest news of the season is the start of the playoffs. Speculation of this idea has circulated for many years, and now it has finally arrived.

The playoffs will include four teams voted in by a committee of 13 experts. These teams will be seeded first to fourth, with the best playing the worst, and the two other teams playing each other. The victors of each game will face each other in the national championship game.

The objective of the new playoff system is to give teams more of a chance to win it all. Before, the first and second ranked teams were primarily invited to play in the BCS National Championship game to determine the best team in college football.

 With this change, it will increase the amount of money that the NCAA and television providers will earn from broadcasting the games. This new playoff will determine who the real champion is.

Before, a team could reach the championship game by winning all of their games, although the teams that they had played earlier in the season were considered to be bad. For example in 2013, the Alabama Crimson Tide played the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the BCS National Championship game. The outcome of the game spoke for itself, it was 42-14 in favor of Alabama. This score is so significant, because it showed us that Notre Dame was not as good as their record told us they were.

 With the new playoff in place, blowouts like these will most likely be reduced in the championship game. Now four elite teams will compete for a chance to get a title instead of two. This is the purpose of the playoff, and it is hoped by all college football fans that it will give off as much hype that has been anticipated for it. According to Brendan Ondick, “The anticipation towards the college football postseason is at an all-time high, and the four most distinguished teams battling it out on the gridiron to determine the true champ is something I’ve been waiting for my whole life to see.”

Adrian Peterson

Katie Steele

Staff Writer

The NFL has recently fallen under fire and intense scrutiny on its handling of a number of cases involving domestic violence by its players. Adrian Peterson, Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2007, second rookie ever to win ProBowl MVP, 2012 NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year, holder of nine NFL records, and the Minnesota Vikings’ star running back, is one of the players singled out for his actions off the field. Recently, Peterson was indicted by grand jury on charges of reckless or negligent injury to a child. He is also facing previous felony charges in Texas for child abuse. There, he faces up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine if found guilty.

 The charges he faces have sparked a national discussion about corporal punishment in parenting and whether Peterson crossed the line when disciplining his son. After his son pushed a sibling, the Viking whipped him with a tree branch that left cuts and bruises all over his body. The child is reported to have said that he was afraid he was going to be punched in the face by his father if he told authorities.

 Peterson turned himself into officials soon after he was notified of the indictment on the charges of reckless or negligent injury and spent about 30 minutes in jail before he posted $15,000 bond. Most defendants charged with negligent injury to a child are released on probation if their records are otherwise clean. A court date for his other child abuse charge has yet to be set.

 Commissioner Roger Goodell announced new penalties for players accused of domestic violence last month that say that players will be deactivated for six weeks for a first offense and at least a year for a second. Any cases involving “aggravating circumstances such as the presence or use of a weapon, choking, repeated striking, or when the act is committed against a pregnant woman or in the presence of a child” will see more severe discipline. It seems that Peterson’s charges would fall under that category.

 The Vikings, having initially deactivated the running back for a single game, have taken him off their bench and have stated that he must stay away from all team activities until his felony child abuse case is settled. His sponsorship deal with Nike has also been revoked.

The Rise Of Soccer

Oren Depp
Staff Writer

This year, soccer in the U.S. has skyrocketed in popularity with help from the FIFA World Cup, where the US National Team fought all the way to the Round of 16. The USA fought through the dreaded “Group of Death”, which included Portugal, Ghana, and the ultimate World Cup winners, Germany. After escaping the group stage, the USA was up against Belgium in the Round of 16.

 The game versus Belgium was headed for extra time, and was leaving the audience on the edge of their seats. In the third minute of extra time, De Bruyne of Belgium placed the ball into the corner of the net after a run down the right wing by Belgium’s Lukaku. Twelve minutes later, Lukaku broke away again to score a heartbreaking second goal against the seemingly unbreakable USA goalie Tim Howard. It all seemed over for team USA, and many were walking away from their television sets after Lukaku’s incredible strike into the back of the net. But team USA gritted their teeth and began the 4th tap-off of the game with a new purpose. Through this newfound determination, National Team rookie Julian Green scored a phenomenal goal to revitalize America’s hope in the 107th minute.

 The remainder of the game was an onslaught against the Belgian defense, forced to face the inspired Americans attempts for an equalizer to bring the game to penalties. Even with the blood, sweat, and tears of the US team draining into the soil of the Arena Fonte Nova Salvador, fortune was not in the US's favor as the final whistle was blown to end the Round of 16 match of USA versus Belgium with a score of 2-1.

 While this battle might not have been won, it’s definitely helped the war for soccer in the US. A long-time underdog to other sports such as football and baseball, soccer is finally finding its way into the hearts of Americans. With Americans beating out every other country in the number of supporters who went to Brazil, the evidence is irrefutable. Soccer is on the rise in America. According to FIFA, over 26 million Americans watched the World Cup Final, which is over twice the number that watched the 2002 World Cup in Japan.

 Not only this, but the USA is #1 in participants in youth soccer and soccer is the #3 sport in popularity in the US Soccer, mostly called fútbol around the world, is by far the most popular sport internationally. The most common reason for this is because of how accessible the sport is; all that someone needs is a ball. This is a large reason why the sport is practically worshipped in South America, where poverty is hard to break out of and money for expensive equipment is never available.

 Unlike many American kids’ stereotypical dreams of playing in the NFL or in MLB, kids in South America dream of playing in leagues like La Liga or the Premier League. Soccer for many is both a chance for individual glory and team comradery. Names like Maradona, Pele, and Beckenbauer are almost burned into history, and this drastic leap from poverty to halls of fame is extremely enticing to those seeking a way out of their situations through hard-work.

 In the U.S., the most extreme of conservatives call out soccer as a socialist sport for its redistributive tendencies of passing, somewhat restrictive rules, and its tendency to promote support for national teams. But looking at the true values of soccer, where even the lowest of the low can rise to the top and find success, one can see just how deep the essence of soccer is etched into the values and ideals of America. There is no doubt in my mind that soccer’s growth in the U.S. isn’t scheduled to end anytime soon, and that the sport has the potential to outgrow all others.

#5peat for Boys' Soccer?

Connor Smith

Staff Writer

  A #5peat is in the making. For the fifth year in a row, the boys’ soccer team has their eyes on taking home another district medal. 

The season started off strong with a journey to England to get a taste of the true culture of soccer. From there, the team won their first game against Plumstead Christian, and many more since then. The most significant victory came with two goals scored by junior forward, Alex Lotier, in the rematch of last year’s district finals against Faith Christian. When asked about the game, Lotier responded, “Every time I step onto the field I give 110 percent and do whatever I can to help the team get a win. Fortunately I was able to put two goals in the back of the net with the help of my teammates, and win the game.” 

The team has high standards this year for their season, but even more importantly, for their postseason. Senior legend Ben Muzekari had some words to say remarking this potential journey, “It may seem like we are getting ahead of ourselves, but we’re not.” He went on to say, “We’re still early in the season and we are taking one game at a time. Each game I see improvement in the team, so with each game, my aspirations for this year increase.”

The fans this year have been phenomenal, coming out to as many games as possible and being that 12th man presence that carries champions. One particularly dedicated fan, senior Patrick Gimpel claimed, “This is the funnest team in the district to watch. They do things that no other team can. Hands down, best team in the BAL.”

Matt Steele, a strong influence and center back on the team, remarked, “When it comes down to it, New Hope just has superior talent, superior focus, superior drive, and superior coaching. No other team has this kind of winning mentality, and that extra class will lead us to states.”

Steele is right, having the winning mentality is what is going to allow this team to fight through the playoffs and continue to advance to states. Every time this team steps on to the field, the #5peat is always on their mind.

Ben Muzekari, a sports legend

Connor Smith
Staff Writer

 Benjamin Stephen Muzekari is a small junior with a huge reputation. He is often compared to the Loch Ness Monster because people have claimed possibilities of his activity, but no one knows for sure. I am, of course, referring to his New Hope-Solebury soccer career.

 He began his high school career with so much promise and potential as a deadly force between the white lines. Just as pneumonia arrived, his season vanished. He was very limited for the rest of the season due to his constant uphill battle with illnesses. This was truly upsetting for the team as the lost a strong versatile player.

 The biggest disappointment, however, was when the team discovered the unbearable truth of the departure from the team for this young lad. Benjamin moved on to play club soccer for Matchfit Academy at a very high level. With this, he abstained from school ball during his sophomore and junior years here at New Hope-Solebury High School. Fortunately, he has one year left.

 Heading into his senior year, the prodigy has high expectations from the die hard soccer fans we have here at New Hope to make an appearance on the team for this coming fall. His talent and leadership qualities could definitely be used on the team as they appear to only be entering with four seniors this upcoming season.

 New Hope-Solebury is founded on the basis of school pride, and playing for this team is an opportunity and experience of a lifetime, and it sure would be a shame to see Benjamin miss it. I hope, the team hopes, and the fans hope, to see Ben on that stadium field when the time rolls around next fall.

NHS cheerleaders get set for beg competitions

Taylor Selbst

Staff Writer

The New Hope Solebury cheer squad began their season in the beginning of November, but they aren’t going to be just cheering for basketball this year. This year the cheer squad will be attending a handful of competitions, even more than last year. There are 15 girls on the squad and many of the girls are new to cheer leading. Everyone has been working really hard to train the new members of the team and get ready for upcoming competitions.  

  The first competition the squad will be competing in is on Jan. 11. This competition is very important to the team because it determines whether or not they go to states. Head coach Nicole Kerr will be teaching the squad their 2 minute 30 second routine. The routine will include a cheer, dance, several stunts, and a variety of jumps. The event will be very competitive because everyone is trying to make it to states. In between qualifiers and states the squad will be participating in many other competitions to help them improve.  

 In addition to getting ready for competitions, the squad is getting ready for basketball season. They will be performing their routine at halftime, cheering on the sidelines, as well as doing a few stunts during timeouts and between quarters. Junior, Lauren Mangano says “I am very excited for this season because of how much the team has progressed since last year.” Coach Kerr and assistant coach, Dotty Kerr are hoping for a very successful season as well.

Preparing for the "Granddaddy of Them All"

Nina Coughlin and Jacqui Vergis

Staff Writers

An annual college football bowl game played on January 1st (or January 2nd if New Year’s day falls on a sunday) known as “The Granddaddy of Them All” is called the Rose Bowl. Played in Pasadena, California, the Rose Bowl has been the highest attended college football game since 1945. The 2014 Rose Bowl is going to be the 100th Rose Bowl game. This is a special football game showcasing two prestigious teams that have earned their way to prove themselves as the best.

The two teams competing in the 2014 rose bowl are the Michigan State Spartans(12-1) and the Stanford Cardinals(11-2). The Spartans being directed by head coach Mark Dantonio, and as for the Cardinals, head coach David Shaw. Both teams are currently preparing and resting up for the big game.

The 2014 Rose Bowl should be the game to watch. Both teams have similar playing strategies with the nation's number 1 (Michigan) and number 3 (Sandford) rush defenses and the number 4 and number 10 scoring defenses. In the long run the Cardinals are playing to uphold their reputation as Rose Bowl champs two years running, and as for the Spartans, preparing to break a winning streak.

Tune in to watch the big game on Wednesday, January 1, 2014 on ESPN network at 5 p.m. ET.