On Friday October 27th, 2023 the Green Level Gators faced off against the Apex Friendship Patriots. The Gators hosted for senior night representing all 24 seniors in hopes to get a massive win over the top team in the conference. It was a big night for a ton of players with it possibly being their last ever snap of football. I asked Sr. Gavin Jones how he felt about going into the last game of the season and he said, “Definitely a weird feeling, it feels like the 2 years i’ve been here have flown by. It doesn’t feel right to be a senior in my last game. We have to make the most of this opportunity.” The energy was there for the Gators, as they were ready to take the field.
The game started with Friendship coming out of the gates with a 3 yard rushing touchdown in the second drive of the game. Starting the game with a 7-0 lead over Green Level. Shortly after, Sr. Symon Sadler scored an 8 yard rushing touchdown to get things rolling at the swamp and set the score at 7-6. The rest of the half was back and forth with Friendship getting a blocked punt to get the ball back before the end of the second half but the Gators defense came to play and forced a fumble to end the half. Starting the second half Sr. Ben Taylor grabbed an interception and the Gators were able to go down and kick a field goal to take the lead 9-7. In the fourth quarter the Patriots drove down the field to connect on a field goal to take the lead making it 10-9. Right after the Patriots response Sr. Gavin Jones connected on a 36 yard touchdown to regain the lead 15-10. The Patriots responded with a touchdown of their own making the score 16-15 giving Green Level the ball with one last opportunity to score. The Patriots were able to get a final stop in crunchtime and go home victorious over the Gators.
Even though the Gators were not able to get it done they had a season to remember for Coach Woolfe’s first season as head coach. The Green Level football program represents more than a game: it’s turning boys into men and setting them up to be successful in life. When I asked Sr. Rhoen Breen what the program has done for him during his time here at Green Level he said, “Over the past four years Green Level football has taught me a lot about character and leadership. It has shown and given me opportunities that will continue to be valuable throughout my entire life.” I also asked Sr. Rusho Moinuddin what his favorite memory is and he said, “When I scored a touchdown at Apex Friendship last year.” You can tell that these seniors appreciate all that Green Level and this program has done for them creating many memories they will never forget. Obviously there is a lot to reflect and learn from to incorporate going into the off-season. Losing 24 seniors, the Gators will need to look for new pieces to come together leading into a new season.
