Observer team in full swing

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Ten-year-old Ellie Bonnett beams with pride every time she pulls on her maroon softball jersey.

Having spent the past six years out on the field, the Gene Witt Elementary School fourth-grader has played for her fair share of teams. But no jersey has meant more to her than the one she’s worn for the past two seasons.

At the end of September, Ellie learned she would once again be playing for the Miss Manatee Softball 10U Observer team.

“I was happy because last year I was on The Observer team, too,” Ellie said.

Ellie is one of 12 girls on this year’s Observer team, which officially opened its fall season Oct. 1.

“It means a lot,” 9-year-old Emma Anthony said of being a part of The Observer team. “I felt awesome and glad, because I knew I would be with other friends and there also would be new people to be friends with then.”

The team opened its season with a 10-6 loss before bouncing back to defeat Falkner Farms 11-7 Oct. 4 with Ellie on the mound.

This year’s Observer team features a mix of players — some who play for the Suncoast Storm’s 8U and 10U travel softball teams — and yet there are others who are playing the game for the first time this season.

“The (Storm) girls are leading the charge with their experience,” coach Buddy Yawn said. “We have another group who is very excited to play and are learning quickly.”

Yawn first learned his team would be representing The Observer about a week before the season began, and shortly thereafter he told his players, including his daughter, Kaitlin, 9.

“It was very exciting,” Yawn said. “Everyone wants their five minutes of fame.”

“I was like, ‘Oh my gosh,’ because I love the Observer and they’re so awesome,” Kaitlin said. “And it means that I and all of my teammates are awesome because we just are.”

The Observer team will continue to play twice a week through early November, with practice time sprinkled in throughout the season when fields are available.

Over the course of the season, Yawn and the rest of the coaching staff will focus on teaching the fundamentals of the game while allowing some of the more experienced players the opportunity to pitch and gain confidence on the mound.

“They’re a very good group of girls and they’re having a lot of fun,” Yawn said. “I just want them to enjoy the game and have fun playing with their teammates. Winning or losing isn’t what’s driving me.

“I want this to be a relaxing season and (hopefully) the girls will have some fun,” Yawn said. “We try to make practice fun, but come playoff time all bets are off.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].

Mustangs win Homecoming game
The Lakewood Ranch High football team defeated Tarpon Springs 41-33 in its homecoming game Oct. 7.
With the win, the Mustangs improve to 2-0 in Class 6A-District 7.

Lakewood kicker Zach Reda hit a pair of field goals, and running back McKenzie Hathaway scored three touchdowns to lead the way offensively for the Mustangs.

Reda hit a 30-yard field goal, and Hathaway scored two touchdowns to cut Tarpon Springs’ lead to 14-10 early in the second quarter.

Later in the quarter, quarterback Jeren Kowalewski connected with Brandon King for a 60-yard touchdown. Connor Lewellen then hauled in a 55-yard reception, setting up Hathaway’s 4-yard touchdown run and giving Lakewood a 24-20 advantage heading into the locker room.

The Mustangs extended their lead to 31-27 when Lewellen caught a 40-yard touchdown pass with nine minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Kowalewski scored Lakewood’s final touchdown on a 1-yard run with 10 minutes remaining in the game; Reda hit a 25-yard field goal to seal the victory.

Lakewood Ranch returns to district action Oct. 21 versus Dixie Hollins.

Miss Manatee Softball 10U Observer Team
Sara McCurry
Ellie Bonnett
Kaitlin Yawn
Serenity Vega
Sarah Perez
Emma Anthony
Kayla Estling
Peyton McLaughlin
Hannah McCurry
Alicia Acevedo
Jessica Harrison
Bella Smith