Last Friday night the Sneads varsity football team was tested with multiple challenges but more than proved they could withstand what was being thrown their way with powerful perseverance.
“I am extremely proud of the young and the restless for how they battled,” stated Sneads Head Coach Bill Thomas. He dubbed this year’s fresh team with “the young and the restless” title after seeing the fierce determination that was driving them full speed ahead.
The Pirates hosted the Cottondale Hornets which turned into what could possibly be one of the most honorably fought battles of their football season. The beginning of the first quarter offset the Pirates with unexpected and serious injuries. Tyler Jones (#15) was tackled by three Hornets that led to an injury where he was helped onto a golf cart because he could not walk off the field himself. Soon after Jones was hurt Porter Mayhann (#59) was escorted off the field with what appeared to be an ankle/foot injury.
With only 3 minutes and 50 seconds left in the 1st Cottondale’s Cameron Odom (#2) ran in a touchdown, but the quarter didn’t end without Sneads Dalton Brown (#9) quickly getting his hands on the ball and leaping into the endzone acquiring 6 points for the Pirates as the clock was ticking down with a minute and thirty left. The 1st quarter ended with a score of 8-6 Cottondale holding the lead.
Things looked promising for the Pirates when Pious Reed (#1) took off running into the endzone snatching up six points for his team! Sneads kicker, Aaron Montoya’s (#21) kick was deemed good, putting the Pirates in the lead. With 6 minutes left in the 2nd, Reed (#1) looked a little peaked as he fell to his knees on the football field, bowing his head and patting his chest. Within a matter of seconds someone handed Reed his inhaler, he instantly shook it and inhaled a few puffs. He was having an asthma attack but did not let it stop him from getting back up and finishing the game with some incredible plays.
The 2nd quarter began with Reed (#1) catching an interception and ended with Cottondale in the lead 16-13 after accomplishing a touchdown with a two-point conversion. As the 3rd quarter progressed the game intensified with both teams wanting the win. Sneads Devon Gilley (#4) made an amazing run into the endzone but unfortunately a referee had already blown a whistle before he crossed the goal line. Aiden Brown (#33) had his spotlight moment when he landed a touchdown for the Pirates closing in on the score gap between the Hornets 24-19. The score was 24-21 by the end of the quarter and neither team scored in the 4th.
“Last night we had three injuries that cost us to lose players. Hopefully only one was season ending. Our fullback/middle linebacker went down on his first run of the game. We are already a very young team, but when you lose a two starter plus a right guard on offense then the odds start to stack up,” said Sneads Head Coach Bill Thomas.
Coach Thomas took the time to explain how he teaches his athletes, “I preach to my guys that life is full of the things that will happen out of your control. It’s how you respond that defines you. I thought my kids responded with great maturity. We never quit. We made one last stop and drove the length of field before we had the fumble snap. For that to happen with under 3 minutes to play was surprising. I’m extremely proud of this young team. We will have a winning season and we will continue to improve.”
Patricia Smith – Gadsden County News Service