Party in the USA: Aviator football endures storm for victory
Lining the front railing, SHS seniors led the rest of the USA-themed Ave Cave at their first football game against Walnut Hills. The Crosstown Showdown experienced a long rain delay, but that did not deter the Aves from victory, as they defeated Walnut 28-20. SHS is undefeated with a 1-0 record, and will take on Ryle at home next Fri. Sept. 5 at 7:30.
Armed with American flags, original cheers and red-white-and blue paint, the USA themed Ave Cave packed the Walnut Hills stadium for the first football game of the year.
This Crosstown Showdown game was an eventful one, with both rain delays and big game plays.
The aviators started off strong, scoring on their first offensive possession. A diving catch by Nick Gehrlich, 12, set up the following touchdown run by Ra’Von Bonner, 10, putting SHS ahead by seven.
Walnut battled back, but a touchdown by Clarence Dawson, 11, put SHS back on top at halftime, leading 14-13.
The rain started in the second quarter, just before the marching band performed, but the Ave Cave refused to leave the stands until they were forced to when the lightning began.
With eight minutes left in the third quarter, the officials administered a 40-min rain delay due to lightning in the area. Spectators were asked to leave the stands, and were sent to the Walnut Hills cafeteria.
Surprisingly enough, this delay did anything but slow down the Ave Cave.
“Even when the NutHouse [Walunt Hills student section] left, we stayed until the end and screamed our heads off supporting the team,” said Nakul Narendran, 12.
With music blaring from speakers, the student section had a dance-off led by Jalen Shropshire, 12, against some of the Walnut Hills fans.
“The dance battle was the highlight of the night other than the rowdy Ave Cave during the game,” said Haley Rayburn, 10.
This energy and excitement transferred from the cafeteria to the field once the game restarted at 10:00 p.m, and SHS added to their lead with a touchdown by Ryan Whaler, 12.
When the final whistle blew, SHS led Walnut Hills 28-20, and improved to a 1-0 record. In addition to those already named, other players with strong performances include: Eric Stepp, 12, quarterback Jake Borman, 10, and linebacker Jay Cobbs, 12.
With an undefeated start, the SHS football team and its dedicated Ave Cave look forward to their next match-up at home against Ryle on Friday, Sept. 5 at 7:30 p.m.
