Charger News

Cavalier football team leaves a legacy at CHS

Emilee Chaffin, Associate Editor

A legacy was born on the football field at Cookeville High School this year.
The Cavalier football team set their minds to bring home a championship and succeeded in bringing home a regional championship.

After losing their first region game on Sept. 6 against Coffee County with a score of 7-21, visions of a winning season began to fade.

The coaches and players, however, did not give up and dedicated themselves to an all-out effort and a winning season.

Fans were ecstatic and the enthusiam mushroomed as the season progressed when from that point on, no more region games were lost.

As each week presented new challenges, the Cavs proved that they were ready to meet them.

The Cavs went on to play Warren County on Sept. 20 and won 27-6. They proceeded to win against Lincoln County on Oct. 4 with a score of 20-12 and Cumberland County on the 18th with a score of 19-7.

On Nov. 1 the Cavs played Franklin County for the first-ever win of a Region 3 5A Championship in Cavalier football history with a score of 19-16.

On Nov. 8, the Cavs entered the play-offs with a 7-3 record for the season, hosting their first playoff game at home against Smyrna(6-4) and won with a score of 35-21.

They played Blackman(7-3) on Nov.15 and lost with a score of 7-10, ending the playoffs for the Cavs, but nonetheless, left a memorable legacy at CHS for years to come.

Coach Jerry Joslin said, “I could not be prouder of these boys. They have worked hard and put in a lot of effort and long hours of practice, and all I can say is I hope it was worth it, boys!”

The seniors had mixed emotions about the season. Eric Walker said, “It’s over! We did well, but we will sure miss it!”

Coach Joslin said, “To the seniors, great job! Your leadership and effort have left a legacy at this school and in our region. And to the underclassmen and rising seniors, the challenge is there and there’s no doubt in my mind you’ll meet it! Make me proud!”

One aspect that made this winning season possible and such an accomplishment was the support of the crowds.

The enthusiasm and excitement at the pep rallies and the banners and signs that decorated the commons, along with the crowds who came out to the games and stood in the freezing cold to cheer, were a huge part of the victory and did not go unappreciated.