Patriot Football During a Pandemic

by Abigail Francisco

Patriot football has been very different this year. With the pandemic, no sports team is the same. The Patriots are starting the season with a record of 1-2. The boys first played at home and unfortunately lost on their senior night. For being out of the game for 6 months due to a global pandemic, they played the best they could. They were supposed to play University High School, they had mentally prepared for it all week. In short notice the boys were blindsided by Covid and Cabell Midland, who had placed second in last years championship game, was the new opponent.

Cyrus Traugh, wide receiver and quarterback said, “My football season has been a lot different than any other year I played. During weightlifting and standing on the sidelines during games our team is required to have masks on at all times. Our first game we spent a whole week preparing to play University, unexpectedly the day of the game university was not able to play due to the Covid percentages. After finding that out we also found out that we reschedule to play Cabell Midland which is one of the best teams in the state. We did lose that game, however I was named player of the week. Good next week we blew out Woodrow Wilson and our quarterback, Sam Schuler, was presented with player of the week. Just last week we had another away game 3 1/2 hours away. That game was a loss as well. Even though we shouldn’t have lost that game we learned that our team needs some work, but we

have a lot of potential.”

They boys have also faced the challenges of injuries. They have been working extremely hard to get back to the team they were 6 months ago. Senior Devin Gaines, said “Coming into Woodrow Wilson week we were upset, but ready to work. We push like crazy in the weight room and on the practice field in one game they came we were ready. On the first drive we moved the body to the field and got it in the red zone quickly. We couldn’t capitalize on the drive but we got a stop on defense and came down and scored. Later in the game attack a player and I messed up my shoulder pretty bad. I kept playing and then we came out with the

win. The next week I said I’m going to physical therapy and getting treatment for my shoulder.” Gaines also said that he continued to play with his hurt shoulder, but he’s ready to do what he needs to heal. The patriots are a strong team that will overcome these obstacles.

This football program is also making the boys become better men. The seniors are excited to have the opportunity to play their senior season. “We have a ton of talent and have the chance to do something special,” senior Landon Francisco. The patriots football team is full of incredible people, they’ve Mayes the program more of a family. Senior Davon Hampton, said “I’ve been super excited about it being my senior year because I’ve always dreamed about being part of a brotherhood and being a leader. It’s been the experience of a lifetime being apart of this team for the past 2 years.” As the seniors time at Parkersburg South High School dies down the parents are wondering where the time has gone, the time has been spent forming these kids into who they are today. We wish the Patriot football team to have the

best season.