The Fredericktown Blackcats faced off against Ste. Genevieve for their first home game of the season. This game was very anticipated, for the stands on both sides of the field were almost full. The Blackcats won the rights to receive the ball, so everyone lined up in their positions. The whistle blew, and the kicker punted the ball right into the hands of a kick returner. The fierce battle was on after the first down hit, and everyone was in focus. The teams exchanged playing offense and defense, until the Ste. Gen Dragons scored the first touchdown. That’s when the Blackcats stepped up their defense. They made sure and tried their best to keep the other team from getting any yards or punts. In the middle of the first half, the other team set up for a field goal. The punter ran up to the ball and kicked it, but instantly it was deflected by Noah Bacon (11). Everyone in the stands and on the sideline cheered for him as he was rotating out for the offensive team. The pressure the defensive line gave all night was a real talent.
As it was nearing halftime, the Blackcats were down. Although this game was not leaning towards the Blackcats’ best interest, they still were playing and giving it their all. There were many times the receiver almost caught the ball and plentiful amounts of routes created successfully; it’s just the ball wasn’t where it needed to be. The Blackcats knew they were doing everything right, so they continued their plays and tried harder and harder and fought throughout the whole rest of the game. Around the third quarter, there was a pass thrown to DJ Baca (11) by the coordinated hands of Easton Wood (11), and Baca scored the first and only touchdown for the Blackcats. This accomplishment was a memorable moment as it was the first home touchdown of the 2023-24 season. The play was executed in a fast manner, and everyone was gleeful and started cheering in an instant.
Even when Ste. Gen scored some more touchdowns that were not pleasurable to see, the Blackcats treated the game as if it was tied in overtime. Dedication and determinism is the true factor of why the boys play the way they do and why they should never give up. Although the Blackcats lost 7-49, they know what to do differently next time they face this type of challenge. Learning from losing is an effective way to be successful more in the future. There are invisible wins in physical losses that not many see, but the Blackcats can use this info as they head into their next home game!
