Varsity Football Stings Bulldogs at Homecoming

The student council led Midwood’s marching band and cheerleaders to Midwood Field. Photo Credit: Rana Abedo

By AYAH HASSAN and CIERRA VIALVA

The varsity boys football team beat the Campus Magnet Bulldogs 35-12 at the Homecoming game on Saturday, October 26 at Midwood Field. 

“It was a happy day,” said head coach Anthony Odita. “To be able to have the seniors win their last game on the field was great.” 

Justin Manning ’21 said, “We wanted to show all of our doubters what the game of football means to us and show them what hard work can do.”

Behind chants of “Let’s go, Midwood, let’s go!,” the team took the field for the first quarter and soon jumped out to a 15-0 lead. 

As the cheerleaders began dancing to their signature song, “Welcome” by Beyonce, the crowd rose from their seats and danced to the music. 

“The cheerleading team is really fun, and you can honestly form a sisterhood that would last forever,” cheerleader Jada Roache ’21 said.

Midwood was on top of their game throughout the half and extended their lead to 22-0. With Campus Magnet behind, the Hornets were full of confidence. However, the Bulldogs bit back, narrowing the lead to 29-12. 

With the final quarter about to begin, the crowd brought renewed pressure to the Midwood team, screaming “You got this” and “We know you guys can do it.”

As the timer came close to the buzzer, there is a moment of silence. BUZZ. It was over. The Hornets were taking home a “W” for their final home game.

The coaches have been pushing the players to get better and work harder, and their hard work showed.

“Coach [Brandon] Reddish always says, ‘You don’t want to be good, you want to be great,’’’ Devonte Harris ’21 said. “He really helps to push us and build up our confidence.”

Mr. Odita stressed that football is more than a win. “It’s an opportunity to be a part of a team,” he said, “something bigger than yourself.” He feels proud that he gets to “help boys become men and realize their goals.”

Lem Briscoe ’20 said, “The biggest lesson football taught me is that it can build a bond that will last a lifetime. Those are your teammates; those are your war brothers.”

It’s also about responsibility and leadership. Quarterback Zade Edwards ’21 said, “My job is to make sure we’re on point as a team. This year has been challenging as we are not the same team we were last year, since many seniors graduated.” 

David Stephens ’20 sprints through a gap in the defense. Photo Credit: Continental Studios

The team felt they had a lot to prove.

“We had a lot of people saying that we wouldn’t be good now that all our seniors left, and we wanted to prove them wrong,” said Jalen Keaton ’21. “We have been through a lot as a team, and our bond is incredibly strong, like family, so we’ll prove people wrong together.”

Mr. Johnathan Skelly is the offensive coordinator and a dean in the school.

“Football isn’t all about the sport,” he said. “I teach them life lessons and skills that they can use outside of football.” Mr. Skelly wants the players to be prepared for the challenges of life because no matter how far they take football, they have to have a career to pursue besides the game.

Keaton added, “For me the biggest thing is grit. There were many times where I think about quitting, but football has taught me to never quit. It helped me realize that I have to be my own person. I can’t wait for certain things to happen. I have to do them on my own and not follow others.”

The Homecoming game experience is “unique,” Mr. Odita said. “It’s an opportunity to really bring the school community together.”

Onlooker Jeanine Jourdaine ’21 agrees. “It’s really great that we can all come together as a school against a common enemy and show some spirit,” she said.

Guitar and french horn player Matthew Perez ’21, who played in the marching band as it guided students to the field, said, “Everyone put on their best show today. If anything, that just shows how incredibly talented we are as a school.”

Band member Kaylie Willaims ’21 said, “It felt great playing in front of everybody. I joined the marching band for a sense of community. Midwood is an urban school, but this gives a suburban vibe, and I feel like people should take advantage of that.”

Jaden Keaton and Chad Benjamin contributed to this article.