The Black and White

by Chloe Casavant

Pilgrim beat the #1 seed in their division, which puts Pilgrim football the top of their division, and here’s what got them to this point.

First off, it’s the homecoming game, seniors are packed in the end zone, and everyone is wearing camo because the National Guard is there to support them. Every year, a great senior privilege is being able to bring a couch to the football game on the homecoming game, which is set right outside of the end zone, getting a front-row seat in the game. Being against 5-0 Classical, the Patriots were tense about the game, but, that did not stop them from competing.

Pilgrim started off strong when in the first quarter sophomore Adam Elrhazali made an interception and ran 82 yards to the end zone. Everyone on the couches were riled-up as the Patriots took an early 6-0 lead. Later, Senior Luka Ruscio, got tossed the ball by Quarterback Carter Clifton and ran 75 yards until he successfully got into the end zone. He rushed over to the couches with just a little time left in the quarter, and quickly provoked the crowd to get louder than they already were. By this time, everyone was in shock, Pilgrim was up 12-0 into the second quarter.

In the second quarter, Classical was able to come back with a couple of touchdowns, leading 14-12 in the last five minutes of the half. Senior Dylan Rodrigues captured the ball, and ran it down into the end zone, locking in the lead going into the half with a score of 19-14. 

It was getting colder, the student section was quieter. The players took their places back on the field and started getting ready for the end of the game. Patriots took the initiative quickly and Quarterback Carter Clifton saw an opening to run the ball in. Clifton racked the score up to 25-14, and Junior kicker Santiago Holgado scored the extra point for the Patriots, making the score 26-14. 

In the fourth quarter, the Patriots did not let down, giving 100% effort to not let up in the game. Senior Hunter Schobel battled through five of Classical’s players to secure another touchdown for the Patriots. By this time, the crowd was roaring more than it ever has before, the lights were bright, and the Patriots were steaming. The score was 31-14. Classical managed to secure another touchdown in the last few minutes, but that was not enough to catch up to the Patriots. The final score was 31-23 and this game will be marked down in the books. After the game, some of the players rushed onto the couches and celebrated the deserved win with the seniors.

After the game, Hunter Schobel, who received an award for his performance from the National Guard in the huddle after the game, had a few words to say after beating the #1 seed in the division, “ I feel like we are going to have a target on our back just because Classical has looked unbeatable this year and to come out and make them look human and even not that great. Teams are going to be afraid of us and that’s what we want ”

When talking about how the team prepared for the game this week, Hunter replied, “ Basically, this week was the most locked-in we have been all year. We knew this was going to be our biggest challenge of the year, it was laser-focus and trying to do everything right, coaching on the little things, and it showed up on the scoreboard tonight. “ 

When asked how they’re going to prepare for Johnston next week, Hunter stated, “ We know that they’re going to come out firing, they’re going to come out hungry, so it’s Pink Out, and we just have to have a good week of practice. We can’t let this win distract us too much, and just win for our seniors. “

The Patriots are now in the Playoffs and their next game vs. Johnston will be at home on October 25th, at 7 pm. 

Let’s keep the same energy and get another win.

#LETSGOPATS