As an integral part of high school culture, Friday night lights are a chance for all members of the community to come together. From those who have yet to reach high school, those who are in it and those who have graduated, everyone can support their red and white roots. As sad as it is to some, these nights cannot last forever. As the year goes on, the air gets colder, and the “nights” begin at 5 p.m. Winter arrives, and the end of the football season follows in pursuit.
On Oct. 20, the Bulldogs faced off against the Beaver Falls Tigers in their final away game. After kickoff, Beaver Falls had taken a quick 14-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. Against the best efforts of the Bulldogs, the Tigers’ scoring did not stop there. Beaver Falls took another six points in the second quarter, followed by 16 more in the third. The Bulldog defense stepped up in the fourth quarter, holding the Tigers to 36 points. They did this, however, while remaining scoreless. This left the final score to be a 36-0 win for Beaver Falls and a fourth straight loss for Freedom.
A different story, however, unfolded at the Oct. 27 senior night game. With a different pre-game routine than usual, the band set the stage for Senior Night to begin. Seniors from the football team, band and cheer squad walked down the field accompanied by important people in each of their lives. As the seniors reached the sidelines, they were greeted by the most influential teacher throughout their education.
“She [Ms. Tina Boyd] was always there for me as a teacher and a friend, and it was great to have her there for Senior Night,” football captain Wyatt Boyer said.
The first quarter set the tone for the game, with junior Cooper Young’s touchdown giving Freedom a 7-0 lead. The second quarter looked different, with the Bulldogs scoreless and the Lions gaining six. After making slight adjustments coming out of halftime, the Bulldogs gained six more points after a 14-yard rushing touchdown from senior Tyler Welsh. Tensions rose, however, when the Lions grabbed another touchdown in the middle of the fourth quarter. Though the Bulldogs still had a one-point lead, the game was up for grabs. The winner of the game was decided by the results of one play. Approaching the endzone, New Brighton chose a passing play, looking for any points they could get. This was a fatal decision, as that pass would be intercepted by Freedom’s defensive lineman, senior Caden Martin. Martin decided to do much more than just catch the ball; he decided to run the ball 95 yards for a Bulldog touchdown. Martin’s touchdown helped seal the game as a 20-12 victory for Freedom.
Despite the overall 3-7 record for the season, the Bulldogs gained more than wins. They gained lasting memories. In time, players and fans will forget scores, wins, losses, achievements, and mistakes. What is not forgotten are the locker room talks, the comradery shown in practice, and the friendships and lasting impacts that are shared through sports.