The Cypress Lake Panthers football team faced off against the Lemon Bay Manta Rays on Oct. 24 in a game that went from being a homecoming celebration to a history-defining night. Not only was it the homecoming game here at Cypress, but it was also the deciding game of the 3A District 13 championship. 

Coming into the game, the Panthers led the Estero Wildcats in the championship standings, but a loss against the Manta Rays would have jeopardized that lead. Fortunately the varsity squad was able to make light work of Lemon Bay, beating them by an astounding 20 points. A win that solidified the Panthers as undefeated in their district as well as earning them the championship.

This is the second year in a row that the Panthers have claimed a district title, marking another historic moment for a team that has been breaking records left and right since last season. Quarterback Jaydon Henderson reflected on the experience, “After last year being a freshman and looking up to Joey Dubbe-Garret (last year’s quarterback), I felt like this year I really had to step into his shoes and man up to lead the team, and it feels great to have won the district again, especially now that I am in Joey’s place.” Henderson added, “It took time to develop; it took time to get where we are right now. Nothing is free in life, and we’ve had to work for this like you have to work for anything.” The biggest contributor to the team’s success this year, according to Henderson, was the team connection. “We stay together; after school and practice we go places together, we hang out, we get on the game, and we just build that strength wherever we can,” said Henderson.

One of the highlight players of the night, as well as the season as a whole, was Javirin Singleton. Singleton is a senior who transferred to Cypress at the start of the year looking for better opportunities. Singleton, reflecting on his decision to transfer, said, “It’s a great feeling; this is the first time I have had the opportunity to really play the game and to contribute to a team that succeeds with me in it. It feels like home playing here.” Singleton added, “When I got a strip fumble and returned it for a touchdown, it really felt great.” 

Having claimed a second consecutive district title with a regular season record of 7-3, the Panthers progress into the playoffs, in search of repeating last year’s visit to the regional finals and possibly claiming that title as well.