With the help of a strong defense, Steinbrenner limited Wiregrass to just 10 points. Junior Warrior running back, Shaheem Barthel, and an offensive line never before seen by the eyes of Head Coach Andres Perez-Reinaldo along with their stellar running and passing game, it seemed as if the Warriors (3-8) were unstoppable in their 48-10 massacre of Wiregrass High School last night.
“When you see Backs [running backs] block for other backs, it’s a real good thing, and it shows their heart and love for the game and it always produces great things” said Coach Perez.
Together, the Warrior running backs accounted for 264 yards and four touchdowns, leading the offense to a solid and easy victory. But, of course, Junior Warrior quarterback, Curtis Fitch, had some more stats to add on to this decisive victory. Fitch threw for 120 yards, going 4 for 11, throwing no interceptions contrary to the 4 interceptions and one fumble Sophomore Bull quarterback, Shane Bucenell accounted for.
“When you have the opportunity we were faced with tonight, winning while ending the first half, we were happy to get all of our players into the game and see them get their first varsity playing time on the field. It’s a great sight and they played hard and deserved to be out there” said Coach Perez.
“When you get into position on the field, and you lay your eyes upon the green grass in front of you, and your offensive line makes the blocks for you and gets you to the end zone, it truly is the best feeling in the world” said Pearcey.
For everything the Warriors did well, there are still plenty of things to be fixed before next week’s game. Both Coach Perez and Pearcey identified two main problems as blocking and penalties for this Warrior squad.
“The penalties are the things that kill any team and they kill us just as much.” Said Pearcey.
Especially after last week’s brutal defeat from Tampa Bay Tech (6-2) in a 49-16 loss, the Warriors felt that it was their duty to come back, believe in themselves, and win this game.
“We knew we were gonna win because that’s what we came out here to do, and we weren’t gonna let anything stop us. And our performance tonight turned out to be great.” said Pearcey.
Even though it seemed that the defense, quarterback performance, and rushing performance seemed to have carried this squad of players throughout the game, senior Warrior wide receiver Jon-Marc Carrier also played a part in tonight’s victory. 120 yards receiving combined between Carrier and, guess who, Shaheem Barthel, a player according to Coach Perez that can and does play every position they ask him to play and he plays each position so well, which is what makes him so great at what he does (4 INTs in the last 3 games).
“It feels great to get our first district win of the season and it would not have come without the help of our offensive line. Yes, that’s a shout out to my boys on the line. They finally got the memo on what they need to do and without them, the other running backs and I would not have been able to get the yards we did” said Barthel.
“At the end of the game, the coaches came up to me, congratulated me on the great game and said to me that I did what I needed to do. I stepped up and became a better player and leader which is what they expect from me. Next year I will be a senior, I will be one of the few leaders on the team, and I need to show them that I can handle it” said Barthel.
“This game was not just all about me and my success. It was a total team effort” said Barthel.
The Warriors will face Chamberlain High School next Friday at home while the Bulls will face Freedom.
– Evan Abramson