By Logan Farmer ‘24
Entering the CVHS stadium at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, September 22, it was evident that school spirit was in the air.
The stands filled up as it got closer to game time, and the crowd was buzzing with anticipation. You could see friends interacting, parents giving their kids one final good luck, and the players finishing stretches.
The color guard was already performing, and the crowds on both sides were equally enthusiastic, even though CV had a fuller section. After the guard performed, all everybody could do was wait for the game to begin.
As Solanco emerged first from the tunnel, everybody cheered politely. However, when CV entered, the crowd erupted in cheers and encouragement.
Acknowledging this support, grandparent Jan Thies stated, “The CV student section supports the team well by wearing black for the blackout and cheering! The band is great too.”
As both teams lined up on the field, the stadium grew quiet for the band to play the national anthem, but after that, it was time for the main event: the game.
Solanco kicked the ball off and CV received it, bringing the ball to the 41-yard line. A few plays after kickoff, Senior Liam Cheek threw a touchdown pass to Junior Jayden Johnson. The score was 7-0 after Senior Nate Showvaker kicked the extra point.
The CV student sections erupted in cheers and chants directed at Solanco, almost taunting them. CV’s spirit was very high in hopes of capturing another victory.
CV cheerleaders chanted about defense and stopping the ball. Following that, Solanco was unable to make anything happen with their possession and turned the ball over. This allowed Liam Cheek to throw a long ball to Jayden Johnson for a big gain. Following the play, Liam scored a short touchdown, and after the extra point, the score was 14-0.
Solanco got the ball back but threw an interception, which CV turned into a third-scoring drive where Jayden Johnson scored his second touchdown of the game. After Nate kicked the extra point, the score was 21-0. At the end of the half, the score remained CV 21, Solanco 0.
During the half, the Solanco color guard and marching band put on an excellent performance. Both CV and Solanco clapped and cheered at the excellent show. After the performance was over, only minutes remained until the second half began.
Starting the second half, Solanco received the kickoff, and in the very next play, Junior Isaiah Sensenig recovered the ball for CV. CV’s spirit was soaring, while Solanco’s turned sour.
Unable to score a touchdown, CV was forced to kick a field goal, making the score 24-0. CV was still on top.
With another set of downs, Solanco was unable to make anything happen, resulting in a turnover. This allowed CV to score late in the third quarter. After Nate Showvaker kicked another successful point, the score was 31-0.
As the fourth quarter kicked off, not much of anything happened besides more cheering. However, late in the quarter, CV made an interception, sealing the game. The game ended with a CV victory of 31-0.
After the game, senior lineman for the Buckskins, Soren Stoltzfus, said, “We controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, controlling the game. The CV community was loud the whole night, supporting us throughout the game.”
On the Solanco side of things, a parent of a Solanco cheerleader, Jaime Weaver, commented, “CV was a fun environment. Even though we lost, everyone was nice, and the spirit of CV was very welcoming.”
CV student Abigail Hernandez (12) said, “Watching the cheerleaders do the new chant with the student section was my favorite part. Everybody should experience a CV game at some point.”
CV Freshman Joshua Colon added, “The game was crazy; it was a total blowout, but the support was good and helped our team win.”