West Brunswick High School

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Apr 17 / Varsity Women's Soccer
West Brunswick High School

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Apr 17 / Varsity Baseball
West Brunswick High School

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Apr 15 / Varsity Women’s Soccer
West Brunswick High School

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South Brunswick

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Apr 15 / Varsity Women’s Soccer
West Brunswick High School

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Hoggard

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Apr 14 / Varsity Baseball
West Brunswick High School

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Hoggard

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Apr 14 / Varsity Softball

The Road to the Playoffs

A look into the story behind this season’s success: how we got here and what lies ahead.

Giuliana Baker, Staff Writer

Nov 18, 2025

Senior Tony Sanchez cheers as he watches the offense score a touchdown.

On Friday night the Trojans beat the West Johnston Wildcats with a score of 35-6. This playoff game was one of their best games of this season, with a strong defensive showing and a lot of energy from the team and fans.

The Trojans worked hard this season to make it to the playoffs, finishing their regular season with a 6-4 record and winning their last two games against Topsail (21-0) and Ashley (24-21) respectively. This playoff win is the first in six years, marking a new period in Trojan Football for players and the community alike.

“I think after we made the playoffs, a lot more people have actually come out and shown support,” said senior Tucker Hamilton. “I think there’s also a lot more energy in the student section and just overall hype now that we’ve made it.”

This season, the team battled injuries, tough opponents, and losses. With two starters out for three games and as the smallest school in the conference, the Trojans could have lost their stride, but even with injuries, the team rallied behind its underdog status, with defining wins against much larger schools.

“In my first three years here, we didn’t win many games, and now we’ve proven we belong,” said senior player Josiah Sneed. “Even though we faced many challenges, such as injuries, we still pushed ourselves and did it.”

It wasn’t just the players who pushed to win this season; it was also the coaches. This season’s success is a good reflection of their leadership. Head coach, Shane Handy, is in his third season leading the team, and it seems that this consistency is what West has been missing since the Covid-era. Building a culture and an expectation has had a trickle-down effect, encouraging competent coaches and building stronger players.

“The biggest message of this season was to survive and advance, if they love playing the game then they have to give 100% effort,” said defensive coach Aaron Powell. “The key to success this season has been how the kids have bought into each other and built a culture around each other, also their hard work in the weight room and during off-seasons.”

The Trojans face the Middle Creek High School Mustangs on Nov. 14 in Apex for round 2 of the playoffs.

#trojanpride #football #playoffs

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About the Contributors

Giuliana Baker, Staff Writer

Fifteen-year-old Giuliana Baker is a sophomore, currently in her first semester of journalism. Baker was born and raised in New Hampshire; she just recently moved to Ash, North Carolina over the summer while she attends her first year at West. “The weather here is 100% way nicer than New Hampshire,” said Baker. “New Hampshire is either too hot or too cold, never in between.” Baker is stuck between two options for her future. On one hand, she is looking at going to Wilmington for college while she majors in forensic sciences, hopefully one day becoming a forensic psychologist. On the other, she has a secret dream of becoming a sports journalist. “I joined the West Wind because of my interest in sports photography,” said Baker. “I’ve always found it fascinating, and my dream was to do it as a hobby but my old school didn’t offer it. When I found journalism as a class option, I knew I had to try it.” Baker loves listening to music. Whenever she has a chance to play a song, she will. Some of her favorite artists include Unflirt, Men I Trust, and GIVEON. Her current favorite song is “RATHER BE” by GIVEON, a song from one of her favorite albums. “Ever since I began running track in seventh grade, it has been a big part of my life,” said Baker. “Not only has it benefited me mentally and physically, but it has also helped me build many meaningful relationships.”

Mary Payton Pendergrass, Online Director

Sixteen-year-old Mary Payton Pendergrass, or as many refer to her as M.P., is a junior this year and is currently in her fourth semester of the West Wind. Pendergrass was born and raised in Ocean Isle Beach and loves being by the beach. “I love being just a ten minute drive from the beach,” said Pendergrass. “I couldn’t imagine not being able to go to the beach whenever I want to. I wish everyone had the chance that others in Brunswick County do.” When Pendergrass is not at the beach, she enjoys many other activities such as soccer, hanging out with friends, exploring new things, working and journalism. Pendergrass found her interest in journalism due to her pause in soccer after tearing her ACL at the end of her freshman year. Despite the setback she took the challenge with an open mind and tried this new interest of journalism. “It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to push through,” Pendergrass said. “I’ve played soccer since I was four, so having to take a step back and not be able to play for a year was really hard, but it also opened my eyes up to new possibilities and hobbies.” Since Pendergrass was sideline, she decided to pick up a camera and begin to take photos at athletic events. Even making her own social media accounts (@shotswithmp) and gaining some followers on there. “Taking pictures is lots of fun,” said Pendergrass. “It’s not a skill I’m fantastic at, but something I more so just picked up for fun but I really enjoy it and hope it is something I can get better at.” When Pendergrass is not playing soccer or doing photography, she often is doing other events around the school, from DECA to Juniorettes. In DECA, Pendergrass runs the social media pages as VP of Marketing, while in Juniorettes she is VP of Leadership in which she helps plan events and make this new club run as smoothly as possible. “I like staying busy,” said Pendergrass. “I think staying involved, interacting with others, and helping people is so important and a lot of fun.” While Pendergrass does not have an exact plan for her future, she would wish to attend UNC Chapel Hill or NC State and pursue something in sports. From sports media, journalism, administration or management Pendergrass is not exactly sure where she was to land but knows she wants to work in or near a sports environment when she is older. “Sports have always been something that interests me,” Pendergrass said. “I have always played sports, from soccer, dance, softball, lacrosse, volleyball, and more. The idea of just being a competitive athlete and having a built in family of teammates is always something I find interesting. Playing sports over time I feel like I’ve developed a strong sense of the game and a pretty decent sports IQ as well.” Pendergrass is excited to be in her fourth semester and is looking forward to learning new things, helping others, and sharing her love for journalism throughout the class, school, and community. “I can’t wait to see what this year has in store,” Pendergrass said. “I think it is going to be a really great year and we’re going to have lots of fun!”