On Fri., Oct. 17, the varsity football team took on Coral Springs High School at 6 p.m. at Cumber Stadium during Senior Night. At Senior Night, senior players and cheerleaders are honored for their contributions. The team strived to end a three-game losing streak, while Coral Springs seeked their first win of the season.

“It was a fun experience, you know, being out here with all the guys, guys that have been here for four years — some of my best friends,” senior captain and defensive back Nick Brown (7) said. “It was a great experience in getting the win, just playing together as a team.”

The team won the coin toss and opted to begin on defense. This kicked Senior Night off on a strong note, with the defense forcing a quick three-and-out, resulting in a punt.

On their first drive of the game, the offense proved to be efficient, moving down the field with a mix of run and pass plays. On third down and long, wide receiver Johnny Debs (1) hauled in a contested catch over the middle to move the chains. This set up an 8-yard rushing touchdown from wide receiver Anothony Diaz (3) late in the first quarter, granting the team a 7-0 lead.

Following the kickoff, Coral Springs’ offense found their rhythm. After a run-heavy drive, the Coral Springs quarterback sprinted into the endzone for a touchdown early in the second quarter. However, the extra point attempt was no good, leaving the varsity team with a one point lead.

After the kickoff, the team aimed to resume their offensive momentum and score on their second drive of the game. Despite a string of good plays from the offense, the ball was fumbled at midfield and recovered by Coral Springs, cutting their attack short.

The Coral Springs offense was no better. Even with the advantage of a short field to cover, the Coral Springs offense failed to convert on fourth down, turning the ball over to the varsity team. The offense capitalized on this opportunity, with senior quarterback Jaxon Anger (18) running into the endzone for a score. Following the extra point, the score was 14-6 in favor of the team with 2:28 left in the half.

In the little time left in the half, the Coral Springs offense attempted to run the two-minute drill. After a series of passes, the varsity team found themselves defending the air raid attack at midfield. However, the defense held strong once again, thanks to an interception from defensive back Aidan McIntrye (2). This last second stand by the defense gave the team a 14-6 lead going into halftime; they were also starting with the ball to open the second half.

At halftime, the team discussed strategies to keep their momentum going and were determined to honor the seniors with a win on their special night.

“It felt good to get the win,” offensive lineman Andrew Saybe (70) said. “I knew it was gonna be one of their last games, so the team wanted to give them their all to make sure that they left with a win on Senior Night. In the end, we ended up getting the win and we dedicated the game to our seniors.”

In their initial drive out of halftime, the offense let the ground game do the talking. After run plays from linebacker Keegan Lake (45) and running back Landen Johnson (21), the team found themselves in scoring position midway through the third quarter. The offense capped off another successful drive with Johnson rushing it in for a 7-yard touchdown. The scoreboard read 21-6 in favor of the team.

On the next Coral Springs drive, the defense needed to maintain their strong performance as a long return shortened the field the team needed to defend. The defense delivered, with an interception by linebacker Jonah Lenamon (10) halting the Coral Springs drive.

Back on offense, the team continued to roll. After a pair of positive plays from Diaz and a long reception from Debs, the offense was set up inside the 10-yard line. Johnson once again found the endzone on an 8-yard touchdown run, which set the team up with a 28-6 lead with 4:46 remaining in the third quarter.

On the kickoff, the special teams unit delivered, stripping the ball away from the return man and setting up the offense for another score. However, the Coral Springs defense did not budge, forcing a punt from the varsity team.

The rest of the third quarter proved to be a turnover battle, as the Coral Springs offense turned the ball over following a forced fumble by Brown. The team also returned the favor by losing a fumble on their next drive. Coral Springs was once again stifled by the defense, ultimately punting the ball away to end the third quarter.

Entering the fourth quarter, the varsity team had the ball and drove it down the field. Through a combination of run and pass plays, the offense was positioned on the 1-yard line, where Johnson rushed in for his third touchdown of the game.This made the score 35-6. Kicker Brody Kefford (9) then had a successful outing, going five for five on attempted extra points.

On the final drive of the game, Coral Springs’ offense found the endzone for the first time since the first quarter, with their quarterback tossing a touchdown pass in the dying moments of the fourth quarter. The hold on the extra point was botched, leaving the score at 35-6. The team ran out the clock on their way to a 35-12 win.

“Having a huge win like that for our team made for one of the best games I’ve ever played,” long snapper Robert Meis (30) said. “I was having the time of my life with the teammates I’ve grown with since we were freshman to have one of my best played games of the season.”

This was a dominant win for the varsity team. The players took home a 35-12 victory and snapped their three game losing streak in the process. It was also the perfect win for seniors, who got to come out on top on Senior Night. The team will look to build on this win next week against Coral Springs Charter High School on Thurs., Oct. 23 at home.