The varsity football team bounced back from last week's defeat, pulling out a gritty 26-24 win against Riverside Military Academy at home Friday night. The Pack offense executed well early on and took a 7-0 lead with senior Everett Pollard's touchdown pass to Matt Olson (11th). Riverside, a much-improved squad from a year ago, soon got on the board with a field goal. On the ensuing kickoff, the Pack fumbled, and Riverside's offense only needed a ten-yard drive to go ahead 10-7. Whitefield again put together a successful offensive drive, and took a 14-10 halftime lead with a Lawrence Waters (12th) touchdown run.
During the third quarter, the teams traded touchdowns, with the Everett to Matt combo striking again, and the Pack led 20-17. Early in the fourth quarter, Pollard left the game injured, following a blow to his helmet from a Riverside defender. A short punt soon set up the Riverside offense on the Pack's 34-yard line. One play later, the Riverside quarterback rumbled into the end zone and Whitefield trailed 24-20. Sky Dupree (11th), in as the backup quarterback for the Pack, found a big hole on an option keeper to the left side and ran 80 yards for the go-ahead touchdown. The defense, with several young and inexperienced contributors stepping up, was able to rally and deny two late Riverside offensive possessions to secure the hard-fought win. The offensive line had a really solid night. Key defensive contributors in the game included Bradley Davidson (11th), Alex Manning (12th), Jaylen Hudson (12th), Lawrence, and Sky. Coach Fields praised his squad following the game for their resilience and refusal to fold each time adversity appeared. Come out and Back the Pack next Friday when they will be on the road for the first time this season at St. Francis.