The Black and White

by Chloe Casavant

In a thrilling matchup on Friday night, the Pilgrim High School football team emerged victorious with a hard-fought 12-7 win over Woonsocket. This marked the team’s first victory at home, setting an exciting tone for the season ahead. 

The game started as a defensive battle, with no scoring. Pilgrim’s offense remained steady but Woonsocket proved to be a challenge. 8 seconds into the second quarter, Pilgrims quarterback Carter Clifton ran 18 yards to score the game’s first touchdown. However, they missed the extra point, leaving the game 6-0. Further into the second quarter, with just three minutes left, Pilgrim extended their lead. Quarterback Carter Clifton handed the ball off to running back Jacob Soulliere who saw an opening in the defense, Jacob ran into the end zone, and just like that the score was 12-0 at the half.

Woonsocket responded in the third quarter making the score 12-6 with a touchdown of their own. They also scored their extra point, which then made the score 12-7.

In the final minutes, Pilgrim’s defense locked up Woonsocket, allowing them to gain no yards. Despite Woonsocket’s effort to rally, Pilgrim’s defensive line held firm, shutting down any attempts at another touchdown. As the clock wound down, Pilgrim maintained their 12-7 lead, securing a hard-fought victory. They stormed toward the student section in victory and will begin to prepare for their next game next Friday against Cranston East.

After the victory, Coach Blake of Pilgrim High spoke with excitement about the team’s first win of the season. When asked how he felt about the win, he said, “This is a huge win for us, playing against a Division 2 team and a Division 2 favorite. With our first home game, having the blow-up tunnel, the kids were really excited, so they definitely brought it on the field.”

When asked how he felt about the impact of the victory on the team, game MVP Jacob Soulliere shared, “It was great, we needed the win and we needed the momentum going into the season. Without a win like this, I don’t see us winning too many games. If we come out here and play like we did, then I don’t see us losing at all.”

Looking ahead to their next game against Cranston East next Friday, Jacob was confident in the team’s strategy to prepare. “We’re going to break down a lot of film, see what kind of team they are. If we come out here and play like we did, they’re not gonna beat us,” he said. With that determination, Pilgrim appears ready to continue their strong start to the season. #LETSGOPATS