Fontainebleau senior soccer player Peyton Adkins has helped lead the Bulldogs to a 9-0-1 start and 4-0 district record heading into yesterday’s district match with Ponchatoula. At press time, Adkins, one of the Bulldogs’ three team captains, is the team’s leading scorer with eight goals and three assists.

He scored a goal in overtime to help Fontainebleau defeat Mandeville, 2-0, on Dec. 9.

Adkins missed last season with an ACL injury. He described himself as a strong center midfielder, who likes to control the action.

“My teammates look for me to lead the offense. I like to come out early in matches to set the tone. We work hard as a team to get done what we need to,” Adkins said.

FHS coach Budd Ditchendorf said Adkins started contributing in his sophomore year before being hurt last year.

“Peyton is a well-rounded player. He is a player everybody knows will hold things together in the middle of the field. He directs traffic. Amazingly, usually you don’t get a person with a nose for the goal the way he has if they are concerned about holding things together in the midfield,” Ditchendorf said.

“Peyton has a nice combination of being a goal scorer, a play maker and a player who keeps things together for us. He makes plays and at the same time there are no gaps in the middle of the field. He does everything.”

Ditchendorf said Adkins has good vision when he distributes the ball and is also a consistent defensive player.

Adkins is also a member on the Gulf Coast United premier soccer team in Gulfport, Miss.

What do you enjoy most about playing soccer? I love being with my Fontainebleau teammates. I’ve grown up with most of these guys and been playing with them since I started playing soccer. Being with these guys is the best part.

What do you like best about being a student athlete? As a student athlete you get the best of both worlds. I love playing for my school while excelling academically. I love representing Fontainebleau High and being part of a very successful program.

Do you feel an added responsibility of being a role model as a student athlete? I don’t feel a lot of extra responsibility. It feels like it comes natural for me. It’s good to get the respect of your teammates. It’s pretty fair and simple.

Most memorable soccer game? It would be in my sophomore year when we beat St. Paul’s before the Christmas break. It was my first major game playing for Fontainebleau. (That victory helped set the tone for the remainder of the year.)

Who has been the most influential person in your school sports career? Liam Rennie, the boys’ director at Mandeville Soccer Club. He coached me when I was 15. He set the bar for me and got the best out of me. I owe him a lot.

Who is your favorite athlete? Tiger Woods.

Favorite team? Manchester United soccer club.

What is your favorite subject in school? English.

Plans after high school/college major? I plan on trying to play soccer in college and want to major in pre-med. (Adkins carries a 4.2 grade point average taking honors classes.)

Favorite sports movie/ TV show/actress? “The Replacements,” “Entourage,” Jessica Alba.

Favorite type of music? Rock.

Favorite food dish? Fried rice.

Best vacation? Anytime I’m on the beach.

Best thing about living on the Northshore? You have the best of both worlds living in a small town, but close to a big city.

Hobbies/volunteering: I like to work on cars. I own a 1967 Mustang. (He attends church at First Baptist of Covington and enjoys volunteering to help out with community projects.)

Parents: Todd and Julie Adkins of Mandeville.