The boys soccer squad from Booker T. Washington is enjoying a fantastic season, remaining unbeaten as they approach the second week of December. The Wildcats have only allowed three goals throughout seven matches, with two of those scored by Niceville last Friday, a notably strong local competitor. Other than that, they’ve experienced a series of […]
The boys soccer squad from Booker T. Washington is enjoying a fantastic season, remaining unbeaten as they approach the second week of December.
The Wildcats have only allowed three goals throughout seven matches, with two of those scored by Niceville last Friday, a notably strong local competitor. Other than that, they’ve experienced a series of shutouts to kick off the season.
During the week of November 18-23, Booker T. showcased their defensive strength with two shutouts against South Walton (5-0) and Niceville (4-0) at home, featuring a standout performance from senior Felipe Lawall, who netted four goals—two in each match—and recorded an assist against South Walton.
In recognition of his remarkable contributions, Lawall earned the PNJ Athlete of the Week honor, receiving 44.13% of the votes in the poll on pnj.com. Each Athlete of the Week recipient is awarded a unique PNJ Athlete of the Week shirt courtesy of BSN SPORTS.
Here’s a brief Q&A session with Lawall after a conversation with PNJ sports reporter Ben Grieco.
Q&A with Booker T. Washington boys soccer’s Felipe Lawall
PNJ: It’s your senior year now; does it feel strange knowing it’s your final season of high school soccer?
Felipe Lawall: “During freshman year, everyone says it will go by quickly. It did go by much quicker than I anticipated. The seniors warned me it would be the fastest four years of my life, and that has certainly been the case. I always looked forward to being a senior someday, but I never imagined it would come this soon.”
PNJ: Are you sharing that insight with the younger players, telling them how fast their time will fly?
FL: “Absolutely. I make it a point to tell them to enjoy the moment. Try things you wouldn’t typically do. For instance, we always have first-year players shave their heads. I’m not sure if that’s noticeable, but we insist on it for all newcomers. I say, ‘Do it. You’ll forget it happened in a year.’ I encourage younger teammates to partake in these experiences because time will zoom by, and they should seize the moment.”
PNJ: Can you comment on your team’s impressive start to the year? What do you believe has been the key factor?
FL: “This season, we’re significantly better at converting our opportunities. Last year, we were regularly in goal-scoring positions, but we struggled to finish. So far this year, we’ve played five matches with 27 goals scored and just one allowed. Our defense is also solid, thanks to four senior defenders who are experienced. It’s a veteran defense that ensures we maintain control and score effectively. Plus, we have several players who can find the back of the net.”
PNJ: Would you attribute your success primarily to the experience returning from last season?
FL: “We have around 13 seniors this year. Historically, we’ve been on the younger side of the spectrum. The year we reached the state, we had about seven sophomores starting. Essentially we’ve retained the same group from last year to this year, allowing teammates to grow. We understand how to win, and we possess the necessary experience to go as far as possible this season.”
PNJ: If you had to identify one primary strength of the team on the field, what would it be?
FL: “We’re intelligent with our ball movement. We maintain possession well. During the games, it’s evident that we’re making good decisions about 85% of the time. When mistakes do happen, it’s usually from trying to make the right play rather than forcing something unnecessary. We’ve significantly reduced critical errors from previous years. Last season, we often conceded goals due to our own mistakes. This year, we’ve only allowed a few goals, attributed to addressing those critical missteps.”
PNJ: During the week you were awarded Athlete of the Week, your team secured a couple of shutouts and you scored four goals. Was there anything particularly memorable about that week for you?
FL: “Definitely our confidence. We view ourselves as the top team in the area, which is a sentiment we carry every year. Even against potentially stronger teams, our confidence has surged this season. We capitalized on almost every opportunity in our matches against South Walton and the first Niceville game. That’s the highlight. Our experience is enhancing our performance in situations where we previously faltered, and we are managing those moments much better this year. I anticipate this will continue throughout the season.”
PNJ: Last year, you predominantly played midfield as a junior. Has your role shifted for your senior year?
FL: “It has changed somewhat. Last year, we had Kyle (Hunnicutt) as the more attacking player, while Ryan (Chandler) and I mainly focused on defense. I have advanced to a more attacking position now, which is noticeable in my stats. Last year, I recorded one goal and 12 assists, and currently, I have seven goals and seven assists through six games. While it’s a slight adjustment, I remain involved in midfield, but my emphasis has shifted more towards attacking plays this year.”
PNJ: What positions did you play growing up?
FL: “I primarily played an attacking midfield role during my early years but transitioned to a defensive midfielder position in eighth grade because I lacked speed and fitness. I transformed my fitness during my freshman year and returned to playing an attacking role during club season. However, in high school, Kyle outperformed me in that area. When he graduated, it created an opportunity I could step into, especially after Sawyer (Kuba)’s departure pushed Landon (Rhymer) into a striker role, allowing me to take on the attacking midfielder position.”
PNJ: Have you discussed team goals for this year and your desired outcomes?
FL: “Winning the state championship is our primary objective. That’s our top focus. Naturally, the first goal is to win districts. Once we achieve that, we can set our sights on bigger ambitions. We definitely aim to avoid losses, but our ultimate target is the state title.”
PNJ: Any personal aspirations for yourself?
FL: “I haven’t given it much thought. Personally, I prioritize the team’s success over individual accolades. … Yes, my statistics are good, but at the end of the day, that’s not my primary concern. I’d be fine with zero goals and zero assists if it ensured we won every match.”
PNJ: Now for some quick questions. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?
FL: “I drink a Coke Zero every day. It’s not right before the match, but I have it during my fourth-period class. It’s all about maintaining consistency.”
PNJ: Aside from Coke Zero, do you have any preferred pregame meals or snacks?
FL: “For away games, we typically have Jason’s Deli, while for home matches, we often have pasta or whatever the parents decide to bring.”
PNJ: Do you listen to music before a match?
FL: “We have a mix of genres, but R&B tends to dominate when we’re hanging out before the game, while hype music kicks in once we arrive at the venue.”
PNJ: Any artists in particular you like?
FL: “Not really; it’s a variety. I’m a fan of this artist called Nino Paid; he’s quite talented.”
PNJ: Is there a dream stadium you’ve always wished to play in?
FL: “Possibly the Bayern Munich stadium in Germany. It’s an impressive venue.”
PNJ: You’ve held several positions, but if you could choose a different one outside your usual role, which would it be?
FL: “I think playing on the wing would be enjoyable. I like to take on defenders sometimes.”
PNJ: Are there major soccer players you look up to?
FL: “My current favorite is Kobbie Mainoo, who is just starting out at only 19 years old, playing as a midfielder for Manchester United. He displays remarkable maturity for his age. … Additionally, Rodri, who won this year’s Ballon d’Or, is also an inspiration.”
