If there is one thing that all Battlefield students know, it is that the last Friday of the summer is always host to a big game. The Bobcats opened up their season with a dominating win over Oakton High School last Friday by a score of 44-0. From the first play of the game, which was an interception by junior Savion Phinizy, formerly of Paul VI Catholic High School, Battlefield was in control.

Although there have been many questions about whether Battlefield’s Varsity Football Team can live up to the hype as years past, that rumor was surely quarreled. Under Mark Cox, who is in his second year of his second stint as head coach at Battlefield, new starting quarterback Hunter Key led an unstoppable offense the entire night. Notable plays were made by tight end Ryan Coll, who caught a touchdown pass from Key in the first quarter, Sean McCarthy, who ran in a touchdown, and kicker Josh Anglin, who made a total of 5 kicks throughout the game.

The student section showed out as well. Decked out in all orange to show support for Ryan Murray, a fellow student that passed away last summer, the Den was ready to let Oakton know they had arrived. After every touchdown, seniors in the Den did pushups, ran flags down the track, or even blew from a big horn that undoubtedly could be heard from the across the town if needed.

It was a very impressive game, offensively and defensively. “I think we played really well,” says junior Ryan Gessner. “We executed everything that we needed to in order to keep that 0 on the board for Oakton.” Gessner started the game last night at outside linebacker where he recorded 4 tackles.

Next Friday, Battlefield will take on Colgan High School at home. “We just have to take it week by week,” says senior captain Raheem Clemons. “I think starting off the season strong will help us build the confidence we need to keep moving forward.” With many new faces this year, it will be interesting to see how the team’s season pans out down the stretch. If last night’s game was any indication, the team is in for a great year. Come on out next Friday, on Hawaiian night, to see Battlefield’s attempt to start 2-0 this year.