The team touches turf for their first game of the season against Whiteville on Thursday, August 29. Some new to the game, some who have been in a high school game before. After months of conditioning, workouts, route running, play making, and more, the team is more than ready to send Whiteville back home with a loss.
The players from both teams line up on the field, their jersey’s vibrant under the sun. The turf is perfect and ready for the battle ahead. At 6:00, the National Anthem began to play. As they waited, the boys had their heads held high ready for game time. A moment of silence changed to a moment of Trojan pride in a matter of seconds, as the boys ran between the cheerleaders yelling and cheering with compassion and motive.
Whiteville won the coin toss, making them have the opportunity to receive the kick off. The ball was placed at the center, ready for kickoff. As the referee’s whistle pierced the air, the game began. The ball flew and went straight into one of the boys arms. He had a good run, making it a couple yards closer to the goal line. Two more plays went by and it was a touchdown for Whiteville, unfortunately for them they didn’t make the extra points.
It was finally West’s turn with the ball and they were ready. The lineman all lined up waiting for the toss to the quarterback. One throw and a catch, and the boys gained over 10 yards. Then with a snap of their fingers, they were tied with their opponents. West made the extra points and went up by two. The first quarter was a battle, but no more points were made.
The whistle blew for the boys to go back on the field. Rejuvenated, we started with the ball. With a lot of aggression from both teams it was a battle, but West came out on top for the second quarter with eight more points. By the end of the half West was up 16-6.
Coming out of half with a mission, the home team didn’t plan on letting up, but neither did Whiteville. Not giving up, both teams lined up with the guest team having first ball. One word and helmets began clashing, and bodies started falling once again just like the first half. A great fight from Whitevilles defense, but West came on top with two touchdowns, one pick, and one fumble recovery. By the end of the third quarter the score went up 30-0.
Last quarter had begun, ignoring the score, Whiteville refused to give up. They battled till the end, and were able to score one more touch down five minutes before the final buzzer. Although they put up a good fight, West overpowered the, adding eight more points to their lead by the end of the game.
The game ended with a final score of 38-12. Both teams fought hard, but it ended with West on top.
