Walnut Grove Sneaks by Cedar Shoals on Homecoming

The Warriors Football team squeaked out a victory against the 0-4 Cedar Shoals Tigers last Friday. 
by Jack Peterson and Jaxson Folds

The Warriors Football team squeaked out a victory against the 0-4 Cedar Shoals Tigers last Friday. Despite the ugly win, the Warriors improved their record to 5-0, continuing their program best start. Every score from the Warriors came from the efforts of their special teams, more specifically, kicker Mike Eck.

Though the offense seemed stagnant, Mike Eck came through for the Warriors when they needed him most. His perfect kicking performance, going 3-3 on field goals, proved to be the deciding factor for the Warriors victory. Mike Eck was able to knock down field goals from every position on the field, including a 44 yarder that initially put the Warriors on the board.

The Warriors defense came to play, too. Not only was Cedar Shoals limited to just six points, a touchdown with a missed PAT, but the defense also forced multiple turnovers. Jack Moss was able to recover a crucial fumble in Tiger territory. The dominant defensive performance didn’t stop there, as the Warriors terrorized the Tiger’s air attack all day, including a final fourth down stand to win the game.

Regardless of semi-static offense, and a game that many fans considered to be boring, Warrior fans are extremely optimistic. When it comes to the playoffs and the remainder of the season, the student body of Walnut Grove offered their opinions on the Warriors future. Jack Crunkleton (9) said, "Yea I think we got playoff hope, if we can get that win against East Forsyth, I think were looking pretty good." He also thinks that the Eastside game will go our way as long as, "I think if our defense can play like they did against Cedar Sholes, our offense will get the job done."

Devin Kenney (12) says that, "It was kinda boring, we beat them last year 29-19 and I was expecting the same outcome… but it was only 9-6." He also said that he thinks the Warriors have a good shot at the playoffs, "Last week we beat a top ten school, granted you know it was within 3A, and we stomped them." When asked about the upcoming game against the Eastside eagles he said, "It makes me feel hopeful. Nobody got injured, and Zach McDaniel is coming back fully healed."

Jacoby Marley offered his thoughts on the game, "[It was] alright, but I think we could've done better." He also has very high hopes for the game against Eastside, "I think if we keep it up, we got it." 

The Warriors are rewarded with a bye for this week, crucially allowing them to rest, recover, and gameplan ahead of their key matchup against Eastside. Come out and support your Warriors on October 3rd, as they look to not only improve their program best record to 6-0, but grab a key region win over a tough team.