By Olivia Byrnes and Ali Durkin
Editor of production and assistant editor of production
New turf. New team. New year. For the first time Jamesville-DeWitt High School Varsity Football players laced up to play on the school’s new turf field (and track) that was unveiled before the annual Homecoming Game. The Rams defeated the top ranked Class A Comets 33-14 Friday Sept. 25, to capture the win.
Carthage set the tone of the game by scoring in the first quarter. J-D responded with 63-yard touchdown run by senior running back Michael Schwedes. After forcing a fumble, senior cornerback Daetwan Reed ran 43 yards for a touchdown. The extra kick was blocked by Carthage, but that didn’t break J-DHS’s spirit. Junior fullback Eli Williams ran two yards for a touchdown in the second quarter and senior running back Jhakeer Jamison ran 43 yards for a touchdown during the third quarter. At the start of the fourth quarter, the score was 25-7 and another eight points was added to the board by senior running back Rahmell Smith and Jamison who ran the ball in to complete a successful two-point conversion. Carthage tried to battle back, with one touchdown in the fourth quarter, but the Rams defense secured the win by holding off the Comets.
The football team’s energy didn’t only come from the new field, but also from the roaring fans. This year’s student section had a “ Blackout” and the stands were littered with balloons, foam fingers, and confetti. Senior Grayson Burns said that he thought the student section had definitely motivated the players and contributed to the win. Senior Meg Parker believes homecoming was the “best J-D football game” she has ever attended. “Everything about that game was unlike any J-D game I’ve ever seen before. It was the best feeling to see the students erupt into a cheer after J-D scored,” she said. Sophomore Griffin Cook also thinks that the turf field attracted more people to the game. “(The turf) looked great and it was cool to see how everyone came together to support the team,” said junior Cassie Durkin.
After an exciting Homecoming Game on the brand new Turf, J-D added another win to their record making them 3-1. The Rams hope to continue to win against Fowler High School, Friday Oct. 2.
