VICTORY OVER RIVALS

After an eight year losing streak, the Mavericks defeated the Northside Grizzlies in football, with a final score of 42-35. Going into the game, students and players filled the stands with excitement and anticipation. 

“Before the game, I was confident in our ability to win if we played well and took care of the ball. We knew we were the better team,” head coach Kim Dameron said.  

The Mavs ended the first quarter with a touchdown, but were down by seven points at halftime. During halftime, the Southern Belles performed a kick routine and the Maverick Cheerleaders did a combined performance with freshman cheer. 

“Before the game, we had a heat advisory at our practice, so we stayed extra late to make our routine flawless," Southern Belle, Mary Belle Castagno said. "This performance was different from others because we danced on chairs, which required more effort. The chair routine was definitely one for the books.” 

Coming back after halftime, Southside scored 21 points in the third quarter and another 14 points in the fourth quarter. 

“After halftime we all felt really good, and had no doubt that we would win. We were all really excited, especially after the game. It felt like a movie that nobody wanted to end,” senior Devin Huggins said. 

After the game, students and spirit squads rushed the field to celebrate with the players. Football players received the Battle of Rogers Avenue Trophy surrounded by students and families. 

“The game had really high energy, it was fun to be there, even if we didn’t win. Rushing the field felt like the high school cliche, it was super exciting,” sophomore Madelyn Maxey said.