Wildcat players and Wildcat fans braved the heat and humidity in the home opener against TC Williams and finished the night with a victory and final score of 10 to 3. While Centreville experienced a bit of a slow start, they finished strong with the defense holding the Titans to just one successful field goal.

The home opener of every Wildcat football season energizes the air with a buzz of excitement. This year was no exception as the Class of 2008 was busy in the parking lot meticulously splattering blue, white and black paint on their bodies preparing to take their spot, for the first time, in the Spirit Section right smack in the middle of the home bleachers. It was a hot and steamy evening with humidity around 500% and clear skies. The sun was shining but beginning to set as fans filled the stands early to be sure they had a good seat for the contest.

Coach Pannoni looked out over the bright green turf of Trussell Stadium for his first time as head coach to see the bright red-and-white opponents from Alexandria. Would his first home field appearance as head coach see a victory? He had a good feeling. His team captains won the coin toss and opted to defer their reception of the kick off to the second half of the game.

The sun was still shining on the Wildcat Varsity squad as they entered the game to give their black jerseys an inaugural workout, which would require some patience as both teams experienced a slow start. The first quarter ended with a mutual volley of possessions and punts and the score still zero to zero.

First Points

Titans were the first to light up the scoreboard with a successful field goal and 9:37 still to play in the second quarter. As time ticks away on the clock the TC Williams squad begins to encounter a plague of flags. With 6:14 on the clock Centreville takes possession of the ball. They attack with a powerful running game and, after advancing through two first-downs, Andrew Morgan forces his way across the goal line at the west end of the field for a Centreville touch down. Kevin Maslyn’s extra point is good and the score is now Wildcats 7, Titans 3. With two minutes remaining in the first half the teams play out the quarter with no additional scoring.

Half time saw the score Wildcats 7 and Titans 3. The Wildcat Marching Band took the field and rocked the crowd. Immediately after the Dance Team entertained everyone with some clever moves and heart-thumping music. The Wildcat mascot (must be hot inside that costume) didn’t lose a step, keeping up with the cheerleaders in front of the Centreville fans.

The second half started with a miscue as the Wildcats attempted the kick return. TC Williams pounced on the ball to steal possession from Centreville. Wildcats soon regained momentum as their defense played strong and held the Titans in their attempts to score. Centreville’s offense was showing some fresh spark in the second half with P.J. Dunegan and Andrew Morgan pushing to a series of first-downs. The third quarter ends with Wildcats in control and the ball just seven yards from the goal line.

Let’s Score 3 More

The teams switch sides of the field to begin the fourth quarter. The Centreville offense puts the ball in the hands of Wayne Jackson and he powers it closer to the end zone. Then Dunegan runs the ball to the three yard line. With the ball just three yards from the end zone, a bad snap leads to a fumble and the Wildcats recover. It’s fourth down, and Andy Fisher holds the ball to the ground as Maslyn’s magic foot powers it through the uprights for a successful field goal. That pushes the Wildcat’s score to 10 and the Titans 3.

With 8:57 still to play in the fourth quarter there is still plenty of football ahead. TC Williams takes possession of the ball. They rocket down the field with a huge run but get stopped in their tracks by Calder Street at the 39 yard line. Titans punt but Wildcats fail to score. Again the Centreville defense jumps back into action. TC attempts a sweep play but gets painfully interrupted by Brett Miller for a loss on the play. Titans attempt some “Hail Mary” passes that are fruitless. The Wildcat defense just won’t let them in the game. With 52 seconds remaining on the clock Centreville takes possession of the ball and smartly run-out the clock. The first home game of the season ends with a tasty victory and a final score of Wildcat 10, Titans 3.

All’s Well That Ends Well

The Varsity squad gathered in the end zone before heading to the locker room while Coach Skinner said a few words and congratulated Coach Pannoni. With Pannoni’s final words for the evening the Wildcats huddled one last time and headed into the night with their first victory of the season.

Next Week: Black Out

Next week is the second home game of the 2007 season as Wildcats host the Lancers from R.E. Lee High School in Springfield. It’s “Black Out” night in Centreville, as all fans and families are asked to sport nothing but black clothing as they cheer for their favorite football squad.

Pretty As A Picture

There was no lack of photography last night. Cameras were everywhere. We begin our photo coverage with two, big galleries of fans, families, and football with almost 150 photos: Click this to view Gallery 1 and then click here to visit Gallery 2 from the Wildcat v Titan contest. Stay tuned for more as we publish additional photo galleries later in the week.