FVHS senior Juan Drake broke the school’s field goal record on Oct. 18 in a varsity football game against Garner High School. Playing two sports, Drake has excelled as both a goalkeeper for the soccer team and a kicker for the football team. 

Drake, who began playing soccer at just six years old, developed a passion for goalkeeping by the age of 11. 

“Diving and making saves was so much fun,” said Drake. 

Seventh grade was when Drake started kicking. He was not planning on continuing kicking into high school but it wasn’t until an encounter with the senior kicker at the time, Matt Jones, who encouraged Drake to kick more. 

Drake said, “Before a soccer game, I kicked a few balls while he was practicing his kicks, and he encouraged me to kick more.”

Drake’s record breaking kick has brought excitement to FVHS. 

“I’m really grateful to have shared that moment with my teammates,” Drake said. “I love both soccer and football, but soccer will always be my favorite.” This is because soccer has been a part of Drake’s life since he was very young and because goalkeeping has a lot more to it than kicking. 

Everyone on the team believed in him as he had made the same kick in practice many times before. This made Drake feel confident when he lined up. 

Although soccer and football seasons are coming to an end, Drake’s passion and dedication for sports is still strong. 

Drake plans to continue playing soccer in college, as it is a big part of his life. With graduation approaching, Drake’s journey in sports continues to be one to watch.