The Freedom football team took the field Thursday night showing poise and determination, looking for a big win at home. The team hoped to defeat Wharton High School’s Wildcats, despite an existing 11-year losing streak to the rival school. 

The game began as a defensive showdown, with the Wildcats leading 7-0 at the half.  

But the Patriots had not lost hope. 

Momentum sparked in the third quarter when the Patriots recovered a fumble forced by Tyler Gray, 12. The monumental play was followed by a crucial touchdown scored by Stanley Elisme, 12, lowering the deficit to one point.

The Freedom defense then forced Wharton to punt the ball, and the Patriots pushed through a lengthy 99-yard drive resulting in a touchdown that rearranged the lead.  

“As we took the lead, the team and I were excited and aware that in order to get the win, we needed to keep this momentum going,” said Defensive Tackle Xavier Kersey, 12. 

The team was winning 12-7, just two minutes away from defeating its largest rival for the first time in over a decade.

Backed by a supportive crowd, the Patriot defense ended Wharton’s final opportunity to score when Jeremiah Ashe, 11, caught a late interception. 

The game ended, and with it, Freedom’s 11-year losing streak to the Wildcats. Students then rushed to the fence to celebrate the team’s long-awaited victory with the players.  

“The win against Wharton was really big for us because it taught us how to win and finish games,” explained Coach Hensel. 

Hensel was also impressed with the team’s growth throughout this season.

“We have been improving each week thus far and this is a big step in the right direction for us as a team.”