In the end, the Winder-Barrow High School football team simply wanted it more.
The Bulldoggs played their most complete game in years and were not going to be denied on this occasion.
The losing streak seemed light years away late Friday night. A win has a way of curing a lot in athletics and that was the case that evening.
“This is great not just for our football team but our entire school and community,” WBHS principal Al Darby said.
When you’ve struggled to win on the scoreboard, then a celebration like the one witnessed at W. Clair Harris Stadium Friday night is to be expected.
As the final seconds ticked off the clock Friday night with the victory locked up, Bulldogg assistant coach Luther Price looked at head coach David Wagner with a big smile. Wagner, who removed his headset with about a minute to go, also smiled.
Quarterback Christian Hodge, who has proved to be a leader on and off the field for the program, then did something he has not done since stepping into starting lineup as a freshman two years ago: he went under center, took the snap and kneeled down. In fact, Hodge did it twice as the clock faded away. Five seconds. Four. Three. Two. One. Pandemonium.
Players, coaches, parents, fans, alumni and supporters all stormed the field at W. Clair Harris Stadium. It was time to celebrate. The postgame congregation lasted way longer than in recent memory. Players hugged each other, players were hugged by supporters and classmates. It was a moment that had been well earned.
And make no mistake about the outcome Friday night. The Bulldoggs didn’t win the game on a fluke or a missed call or because the other team gave the gift of six turnovers. WBHS outplayed Cedar Shoals from the start. The Jaguars appeared to be sleepwalking, perhaps thinking all they had to do was show up, step on the field and take the win.
On this night, it was the Bulldoggs who clearly wanted the win more. It was evident from the first moments of the game. WBHS was not going to let this one get away. And while Cedar Shoals seemed to wake up in the second half, scoring 21 points, the Jaguars had simply allowed the Bulldoggs to build too big of an advantage. For every play Cedar Shoals made the third and fourth quarters, there was WBHS answering.
The task of making it two in a row won’t be easy. Clarke Central, this Friday’s opponent, is needing more wins to assure itself of a state playoff berth. Still, regardless of what happens this week, last Friday night will always remain special for the WBHS football family. And Clarke Central had better not take the Bulldoggs lightly. The Gladiators can ask their neighbor Cedar Shoals what happens when you do.
Chris Bridges is sports editor of the Barrow Journal. You can contact him at cbridges@barrowjournal.com.
