Homecoming is the most anticipated, fan-packed game of the season.  This year, the #1 ranked Warriors were up against the #2 ranked Marshall Statesmen. Everyone knew it was a game not to be missed. A slow first half meant it was anyone’s game for the taking. This team did something no Varsity Football team has done at Wakefield in 30 years; these Warriors won the second homecoming game in a row with an end score of 33-19. That is incredible! This is a good look for a football team with a bright future.

Senior, and Middle Line Backer, Kevin Greenwell said it was a “tough game…biggest game of the season by far. Since we won this game, a conference championship banner is within our reach and we would love to have that.”

In the first quarter, the Warriors only managed one first down before punting the football to Marshall. The Statesmen started a good drive of their own before fumbling the football; junior Fred Bowles recovered it, setting up good field position. The team would then take that momentum with Leon Young scoring a four yard touchdown giving Wakefield the lead.  The next drive for Marshall ended in points as Marshall player Jelani Murray scored a 38 yard touchdown run and Marshall led 7-6 so far controlling the game.  Before the end of the first, the Warriors scored one more time from a 2 yard touchdown run from Leon Young making the score Wakefield, 13-7. It was still anyone’s game to win.

The second quarter was controlled by the defensive teams. So, the only points put up in the second quarter were a last second field goal from the Statesmen after a very long drive that took over 6 minutes for them.

At the half, the Warriors were up 13-10. The very first play of the second half was an 82 yard kickoff return for a touchdown which gave the Statesmen the lead, 16-13 after they failed to make the extra point. Later in the quarter, the Warriors safety junior Mingo Peterson jumped the receiver’s route and intercepted a pass at a very critical time that completely changed the momentum of the game.

The Warriors scored 20 more points, all on passes thrown from sophomore quarterback, Colton Poythress. The first one was to Leon Young for 5 yards, then to Young again for 82 yards. The final touchdown of the game was a 24 yard touchdown pass to senior receiver Chris Robertson.

The team couldn’t have won the game without defense, who held Marshall to 3 points in the whole 4th quarter and really came up big when they needed it the most. The final score of 33-19 puts Warrior Gridiron in stellar standings for this season.

After scoring his fourth touchdown of the game, Young said, “I know there is going to be a time when I am not this good. I am just enjoying it, now.”

#WarriorNation, don’t forget to come support the Warriors this Friday as the travel to Thomas Jefferson at 7pm, and then for their final home game against Lee High School, which is senior night for Warrior Gridiron.