By Madi Rogers
Photos by Abby Lane
The Varsity Davie County War Eagles traveled to the field of the Parkland Mustangs for game six of conference play. This week, thanks to three touchdowns in the first four minutes of play, we traveled back across the river with a 30-14 win to take us into the final game of the 2022 season. We will play Glenn at home on October 28 at 7:00. Come out to support the graduating seniors as they take the field for the final time as War Eagles.
Last week’s game started off with a huge run from the Davie 40-yard line by Markel Summers on the 2nd play of the game for the first of four War Eagle touchdowns. Palmer Williams’ PAT was good to give Davie the early lead.
Our defense was just as ready. After Palmer’s punt to the endzone, the Mustangs were pushed back and held behind their four-yard line to end their first possession quickly with a punt to Davie.
A quarterback keeper gave Davie a 1st down and a pass to Aidan Froelich in the endzone put Davie up 14-0 with 9:07 left in the first quarter.
On Parkland’s next possession, Davie County recovered a fumble to take possession on Parkland’s six-yard line. A completed pass to Brian Argueta was run in for a third War Eagle touchdown. Another successful PAT kick by Palmer Williams brought the score to 21-0 with just over three minutes off the clock.
A long run by #7 on the Mustangs, gave Parkland their first touchdown of the game and some momentum that they have needed all season. The score was 21- 7 with Davie in the lead.
Parkland’s momentum held up through several penalties, as they intercepted the ball. A pass took the Mustangs to the one-yard line and the quarterback keeper put another touchdown on the board for Parkland.
Multiple failed plays and penalties on the War Eagles move us back 2nd and 41 with 1:36 left in the 1st. We gained some ground on a pass to Summers before another Mustang interception ended our possession.
Parkland starts on the 36-yard line. Just over 16 seconds left in the 1st after 51 minutes of play. Thanks to some great defense by seniors Justin Hayes and Mason Shermer, Davie forces Parkland to punt.
Davie fails to move the ball on the next possession, but then Parkland turns it over on downs on their 12-yard line. Summers runs down the middle for 2nd and 9. A pass to Ethan Driver for 3rd and 4, puts Summers in position to run the ball in for Davie’s 4th and final touchdown of the game. Davie struggles with the PAT and tries for a 2-point conversion to no avail. 27-14 Davie.
In a game full of flags, Davie’s defense doesn’t get discouraged. Justin Hayes brings out the 2nd down, and an interception by Davie’s #18 moves us to our 28-yard line. An incomplete pass and a holding penalty forced Davie to punt from the 26.
Mason Shermer, Brandon Wood and William Purvis shake up the Parkland offense and a pass is intercepted by Justin Hayes with 12 seconds left in the half. Miller takes a knee and the War Eagles head to the locker room leading 27-14.
While Parkland began the second half in possession, the War Eagle Marching Band, Dancing Boots and Cheer team celebrated with the traditional 3rd quarter show by our amazing drumline. The third quarter ends with Davie leading 30-14 thanks to a field goal by Palmer Williams.
Justin Hayes with a second interception run to the 20, but flags continue to slow down the game. Davie ends up 2nd and 63, and after little forward movement, Parkland takes over on downs.
Gavin Reese and Connor Hood keep the Mustangs from the end zone. A tackle by Matty Warner brings up the 3rd and 2 (goal), and a 4th and 8 pass is broken up to return the ball on downs to Davie.
Summers runs down the middle three times for a 1st down. Argueta runs for a 1st down, and a quarterback keeper moves us to 2nd and 2. Argueta with another run big run to the Parkland 40 for a first down with 6:30 left in the game. Summers takes the ball down the middle and into the endzone, but flags for holding against Davie force us to repeat the down. Following valiant attempts by Ty Miller, Davie turns it over on downs from the Parkland 25-yard line.
With 4:38 left in the game, a massive pass to our 36 gives Parkland a 1st down. A sack for a loss brings out the 2nd and 13. A complete pass stopped quickly by Gavin Reese puts Parkland in a 4th and 4 position late in the game. They go for it and turn the ball over to the War Eagles on our 21-yard line where Miller takes a knee to end the game.
The War Eagles are looking forward to Senior Night recognitions this coming week in our game against Glenn. It’s costume night in the Crazies, and it is sure to be an exciting game to end the years of dedication so many of our seniors have put into their sport.