It has been a banner season for the Bell High School boys soccer program, which wrapped up the regular season this week with a 9-3 record and an undefeated run through district play.
The Bulldogs’ strong performance has positioned them as a regional championship contender, a goal the team set long before the first match of the season.
“All offseason we talked about getting to the regional championship and finishing it off with a win,” senior midfielder Brandon Aguilar said. “We’ve slowly been getting healthier as a team down the stretch, and we’re back to 100% as we start our postseason run.”
While Aguilar’s offensive numbers may not jump off the stat sheet, he has four goals this season, his impact has been felt most on the defensive end. Tasked with shutting down opposing attacks, Aguilar and the Bulldogs’ back line have recorded four shutouts and held opponents to one goal or fewer in four additional matches.
“I love locking down and taking away the hope from the opponent,” Aguilar said. “Our job on the back end is just as important as scoring because if we keep the opponent off the scoreboard, it gives us a better chance to win.”
Bell opened the new year in 2026 with two convincing victories by a combined score of 11-1, with Aguilar contributing a goal in each match. However, it was his consistent defensive play that earned him UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the Week honors.
“It was great to hear that I was chosen, and it’s certainly an honor to be grouped in with so many outstanding athletes in the area,” Aguilar said. “I’m proud to be a part of this team. These guys are like family. I’ve been playing with RJ, Ivan and others since we were little kids, and it would be awesome to make a deep run in the playoffs with this group.”
Soccer has been a lifelong passion for Aguilar, whose father’s side of the family played the sport in Guatemala. Although he also competes as a wide receiver on the football team and plays multiple positions in baseball, soccer remains his first love.
“It’s the funnest sport to me, it’s as simple as that,” Aguilar said. “I enjoy competing in the other sports, but there’s something different about soccer. Being out there on the field with my teammates really makes me happy.”
Bell currently sits atop the district standings and has outscored opponents 56-17 this season. The Bulldogs are 5-1 at home, and Aguilar credits the community for creating a strong atmosphere both at home and on the road.
“The community always comes together,” Aguilar said. “Even when we’re away, it still feels like home with all the people who show up to support us. This town means so much to me. I’ve been here my whole life, and the people have always been great.”
After graduation, Aguilar hopes to continue his soccer career at the collegiate level. For now, his focus remains on helping the Bulldogs make a deep postseason run and finishing what the team set out to accomplish at the start of the season.
Each weekly UF Health Athlete of the Week winner becomes eligible for the UF Health High School Athlete of the Year Scholarship, a $2,500 award presented at the end of the 2025–26 academic year.