Panthers Continue Hot Start With Win Over Crusaders

Coral Springs Charter came into their game with crosstown rival Coral Springs Christian having won three of their first four games, but they did not have that signature win that defines great teams. On Monday, the Panthers achieved that quality win with a 5-1 victory over the Crusaders.

The story of this game resided on the mound for Coral Springs Charter. Senior Derek Vetere threw five innings and gave up only one run, leading the Panthers to a 5-1 victory over C.S. Christian. Vetere has been around for a couple of years, and facing the Crusaders tough lineup, the Panthers pitcher had a specific game plan.

“Getting ahead with the first pitch strike,” said Vetere, when asked what was the key to his performance Monday. “Making sure I stayed ahead of each batter. Don’t make any mistakes, and let my defense do the work.”

The defense certainly did their part, but offensively the Panthers had an answer to Crusaders starting pitcher Corey Johnson. In the second inning, C.S. Charter scored five runs on three hits, the big blow coming off the bat of Stephen Kerr. The sophomore hit a two-run double to highlight the five run inning.

For C.S. Christian, it was another disappointing game. The Crusaders were considered by many to be one of the top teams in the county this season, but so far they have had a hard time duplicating the success they have had in the past. Head Coach Matt Cleveland believes his team was built on situational baseball, and that aspect of the game has been lacking early on.

“Just not good baseball right now,” said Cleveland, when asked about his teams early season struggles.

The Panthers were singing a different tune after Monday’s game, and freshman Christian Khawly was one of the reasons why. Khawly went 2-for-3, and was instrumental in C.S. Charter’s big inning. The effort of Khawly all season so far has impressed Charter Head Coach Jerry Albert.

“Christian was super,” said Albert. “He’s been like that all year. He’s been our most consistent hitter….he can run, he can put a charge in the ball, he’s got a lot of tools.”

As for the Panthers surprising start to the season, Vetere, a senior, explained how the team has grown together over the past couple of years and how their work ethic has helped in starting the season 4-1.

“Practicing every day,” said Vetere, “working hard in practice, going out and giving everything at game time. We had a young team last year, and we fought just as hard last year. Basically it’s the same kids, we lost just two seniors, and we’re a strong group of kids.”

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