After 6 consecutive district championships from 2014-2019, the Jags’ baseball program has struggled to get back to that championship status that the school had become accustomed to. However, the 2023 group feels as though that will change this upcoming year. With 16 of their 22 players being upperclassmen, this is quite the experienced group, 

“Last season, honestly, was a disappointment. Kinda struggled at times. This year we really wanna come out strong” expressed Paul Abolafia, a now senior and one of the captains for the Jaguars’ baseball team.

Last week the Jags played their two pre-season games against the Western Wildcats and the Flanagan Falcons, and despite falling short in both games, they showed glimpses of what could be a very promising season. 

“They were both tough losses, but there were a lot of positives. Defense was great, the offense had quality at bats. The only thing we were really missing was situational hitting, but I’m confident that will come as we hit our stride going into the season”-Assistant Coach Willy Hernandez

The Jags will get a chance a chance to redeem themselves pretty quick, as they’re set to face off against the Wildcats and the Falcons again in the next month. The Jaguars will once again face a tough schedule, which they hope will set them up well for a run at the regional title. Last year, they highlights of their schedule were St. Thomas Aquinas, Taravella, West Broward, and Doral Academy, along with North Broward Prep and American Heritage in the regional tournament. This year, the Jags will once again be faced with the tough task of handling St. Thomas, Taravella, North Broward Prep, and Doral Academy, along with some crosstown rivals in Flanagan, Cypress Bay, and Western. 

It was evident that the Jaguars enjoyed these tough games last year, though, having upset St. Thomas as well as West Broward, and playing really well in the games that they were deemed underdogs. However, they feel as though there’s more in the tank. 

“Yea, we made it to district finals last year, but in all honesty, we weren’t really prepared for it. Our pitching wasn’t as deep as it is this year…but this year, we’re looking a lot better, and we’re getting ourselves in the mindset for those tough games.”

It seems as this group is really confident in themselves, and in the work that has been put in during preseason to get back to championship status. Perhaps a redeem season is in the works for the Jaguars, and when it’s all said and done, they hope to be hosting that district championship trophy, bringing glory back to Charter.