Students with trophy

C.D. Hylton High School’s esports team, “Friday Night Lights,” has claimed the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate Fall Championship.

The 64-team tournament featured best-of-five matchups in each round. Hylton High students Ismark Espinal, Miequel Falu Febres, and Jason Gonzalez-Vela dominated the bracket with an 18–3 record on their path to the title.

Espinal, the team captain, shared that this win is a culmination of hard work and dedication from everyone.

“This win means the hard work and dedication have finally paid off in the form of all three of us being successful,” Espinal said. “This win is a steppingstone for me in my journey and a monument of what we can accomplish if we truly put effort into something.”

Coach Luke Terenchin also praised the team’s work ethic.

“This team has put in the work for the past four years, and it is a joy to finally see them win the VHSL trophy,” Terenchin said.

Falu Febres, who played a pivotal role in the semifinal round using his character Zelda, added that the team’s perseverance was key.

“Our four years of hard work finally culminated in this victory,” Falu Febres shared. “It's refreshing to have the win we've been working towards. We really worked hard for this.”