Varsity Football Wins Big at its First Game of the Year

Sariah Penn

September 8, 2019

The football players lining up at the end of the game. They’re about to start shaking the other’s team’s hand. Photo by: Zoe Rivers

First Varsity Football Game

The football players lining up at the end of the game. They’re about to start shaking the other’s team’s hand as a courtesy. Photo by: Zoe Rivers

On August 22, 2019, varsity football took on the Cypress Park Tigers for the very first game of the 2019-2020 season. The stands were filling up with roaring fans as the team huddled anxiously for the first play of the night. While Luke Pardee (QB), Bryson Culton (DB), Issac Hudson (DB), and Brayden Espinosa (DL), walked hand in hand for the coin toss, the cheerleaders exchanged gifts. The coin decided in favor of Cy Park for the first possession of the game, and soon the game was underway. Although the Tigers scored on the first play of the game the Hurricanes were determined to turn it around in their favor. As the boys transitioned to offense they continued to push up the defense leading to a touchdown leaving the score tied at 7-7.

Players hugging it out near the goal after playing through a successful game so far. Photo by: Zoe Rivers

Stands rumbled and whistles rang throughout the stadium as the two teams clashed hungry to take home the dub. As the boys continued to take turns shutting down the Tigers’ defense and offense, they found themselves at a stalemate. With three minutes left until halftime, Pardee broke the silence throwing a long pass to Matthew Golden (WR) for the touchdown.

“I really enjoyed the halftime show,” Alexia Brannon said. “It was great seeing Matthew Golden score 2 minutes before halftime it got us hype for the show.”

Halftime

By half time the score was 14-7 with the Hurricanes leading. As the boys headed to the locker rooms to prepare themselves for the second half, varsity color guard and band electrified the crowd with their combination of dance and music.

“Everyone at the game was having so much fun,” Kayla Shallenberger said. “Especially the student section.”

With the halftime minutes ticking down the boys rushed to the field fired up to finish what they started.

At the start of the half, the Tigers had possession of the ball but quickly turned it over. As the game progressed the boys continued to fight tenaciously for the win. Scoring touchdown after touchdown the hurricanes gained a safe lead against the Tigers.

Finishing Off The Tigers

With the 4th Quarter approaching quickly, finishing off the Tigers was vital. Although the boys had a safe lead they were determined to maintain the lead to finish off the Tigers. In the final moments of the game, the crowd cheered loudly, filling the stadium with school spirit.

Zach Siefkas and Dernie Christophe walking side by side near the sidelines. Photo by: Zoe Rivers

“It was great to see some of the sophomores have some success in the first game, and it was great to see the seniors step up,” Pardee said.

As the final buzzer rang the hurricanes celebrated their hard work.

“The win felt amazing,” Aaron Jordan (RB) said. “Just being out there on the field with my brothers.”

The final score was 56-27 making Cain history as the school’s first-ever away victory.

“I am very proud of our players & coaches for starting our year off with a win,” Coach James Clancy said. “We will need to continue to improve & work hard.”