Football secures district title

Garrett Hutchins, Staff Writer • November 10, 2023

Head Coach Chris Ross talks to the team after the win against Melissa. The team was titled District Champions.

Senior line backer no. 26 Payton Pierce runs into the end zone. Pierce scored one out of the four Lovejoy touchdowns. (Caroline Dolberry)

The Lovejoy Leopards ended the regular season by heading into the heart of the no.1 state ranked Melissa in a highly anticipated game. The game was back and forth all the way through the second quarter.

“This game was a big one for us. Melissa beating us on our field, for the district championship, and on the last play definitely left a sour taste in our mouth,” said senior quarterback Alexander Franklin. “We took it personal and have been working all off-season for them.”

Lovejoy struck first in the first quarter, when Payton Pierce ran it in for a touchdown. Melissa countered by scoring at the end of the second quarter. Going into halftime, the nerves were high as the game was tied.

Senior linebacker no. 30 Wes Hightower celebrates the win. The Leopards will play at home this friday against Pine Tree high school for the Bi-district championship. (Anna Frost)

“After halftime there was something noticeable,” said Franklin. “There definitely was a turning point in the game and I’d say it happened right after halftime. We knew it’d be a 4 quarter battle and we were ready for it.”

Coming into the second half, the Leopards were on fire, scoring 2 times in the third quarter while holding the Cardinals scoreless. Though the game was tied through the first half, the leopards did not allow the Cardinals to have an ounce of hope.

“I think the turning point was half time,” said junior linebacker Kevin Magee. “Where, an average team would bicker and point fingers at one another since it was still a close game, but instead, our captains stepped up and got the guys going and took ownership and we fixed what we needed to fix, so that morale boost was the turning point.”

In quarter four, Lovejoy shut it down, refusing to let the Cardinals score, while tacking on another 7 points, finalizing the fate of the Cardinals.

Junior safety no. 2 RJ McIntosh runs the ball after an interception. The defense forced 3 turnovers throughout the game. (Caroline Dolberry)

“Melissa’s game was always circled and highlighted going into the season after we lost to them last year,” said Magee. “So it was personal all week throughout our preparation and that translated well to the field.”

This win secured the District Championship and the leopards will play Longview in round one of the playoffs this Friday.

“I feel as though the game went really well,” said Defensive line Coach Parkman. “The kids were dialed in and this proved to be a testament to not only Lovejoy Football but all of Lovejoy sports in general, now onto playoffs.”

About the Contributors

Garrett Hutchins, Staff Writer

Garrett Hutchins is a junior this year and this year is his first year on staff. Hutchins is involved in baseball, FCA and NHS. Hutchins traveled the country this summer playing baseball and spent time camping in Colorado and on the boat on Lake Lavon. Hutchins enjoys spending his time on the baseball field and in the weightroom with his teammates/friends. Hutchins enjoys hunting and fishing and is excited for dove season to begin this september. Hutchins is excited for his first year and can’t wait to begin working on staff.

Caroline Dolberry, Photo Editor

Senior Caroline Dolberry is excited for her third year on TRL and second year as Photo Editor. Dolberry enjoys running on the cross country team and high jumping on the track team. You will often find her at Celebration Park running with her team. Other than sports, Dolberry is involved in her church and in the NHS. She loves spending time with her friends, playing with her dog and definitely eating at Chipotle. She can't wait for her last year on The Red Ledger!

Anna Frost, Section Editor

Beginning her fourth and final year on TRL, senior Anna Frost is excited to take on her new role as Photo Editor. Frost is a member of the cross country and track and field teams, and when she is not at the track, she is in the classroom studying history and pushing herself in her school work. Frost likes meeting new people and exploring different cultures, and is excited to see where her future takes her. Anna loves music, and is in her church worship band. She also likes to explore new genres of music. Frost can’t wait for an amazing final year on staff, and is so excited to see the places it will take her.