On Friday night, the Colonels reigned victorious yet again against a second set of wildcats—this time from Villa Rica. After a nail-biting fourth quarter, the final score was 17 to 14.

This is the fourth win of the season (including the scrimmage), and this football game put Cass first in the region. Tanayce Calhoun, a junior and a slot receiver on the football team, states, “It’s very shocking, honestly. We had a different team than last year. It’s […] everybody as one, and not [everyone playing for] themselves.”

The game was off to a stellar start. The cheerleaders were getting everyone riled up, and the band was getting everyone’s heart racing. By halftime, the score was 10 to 0, with Cass in the lead. Joseph Forsyth, a senior and a trumpet player, stated, “During halftime, I felt pretty confident in Cass’s ability to complete the game and win against Forsyth Central.” However, as the game was winding down, the Villa Rica Wildcats began catching up. With mere minutes left on the clock, the scores were three points apart. All the opposing team needed was one touchdown to win. Nikki Anderson, a cheerleader and a junior at Cass High, recalled, “When the score was 17 to 14, I felt really proud of our team for doing their best and still pushing ‘til the last few minutes.”

Yet, everything aligned perfectly to allow Cass to snatch the win. With another victory under their belts, they are exceeding everyone’s expectations, and the students are proud of their hard work and efforts.

Like usual, Cass had a large number of students—all decked out in their American apparel—come out to support the football players. The student section has grown immensely over these past few football games, and more and more students are attending to watch the wins. Arliny Matos-Celeste, a junior, states, “I feel like the school spirit has gotten better and better because the players want us there and we, as a student section, want to experience those needs with them.”

The rest of the school can feel the difference in spirit as well. Kelly Agan, tenth-grade literature and American Literature teacher, says, “I think it gets better, […] stronger, and the kids get more involved.” Cass seems to be in a better spirit than previously, and everyone is excited to show their Colonel Pride.

To some, school spirit and enthusiasm from the audience is what causes these wins. Calhoun believes that with the addition of school spirit, “[Football players] just have the mindset to go back and get another [win].” Yet, others, such as Agan, believe it is the other way around; school spirit is increased with each win. Matos-Celeste states, “I see both ways because, without the wins, the student section would not show up for every game, but as we start to win more, the student’s section gets bigger. I also see how the school spirit affects the players because when you see your school supporting you, it gets even more of a fuel to win. All the players play to win, but maybe the students keep them in a better mindset.” At the end of the day, it’s safe to assume that all parts are necessary, from the football players on the field to the cheerleaders on the track to the band kids on the bleachers. With each piece put together, our team is able to bring only their best to the games each Friday night. At the next game, Cass versus Rome, go out and support your colonels! After all, your part is necessary.