As summer turns the corner, and students return to school, that can only mean one thing: Friday night lights from “The Swamp” is back!
The Green Level Gators varsity football team started their 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 34-20 win against Athens Drive on the road.
Led by Sophomore Luke Pagan, the Gators got the ground game moving against the Athens Drive Jaguars. Pagan had 149 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground. The most sensational play for the Gators, however, was made by true Freshman Derek “Butter” Monroe, as he returned a punt for a touchdown.
A 1-0 start is notable for the Gators, especially for a team that had been facing many injuries entering the game, and they battled cramps throughout the game against the Jaguars despite sneaking out a victory.
Despite the injuries the Gators were dealing with, Junior offensive lineman Kenny Rudolph said, “We felt very strong. Overall, our team was very confident.”
Following the Gators victory at Athens Drive, the Gators have dropped their last two in a 43-14 loss to Broughton, and a 41-26 loss against Enloe, pushing their record to 1-2, in a year where regular season record will matter even more to make the state playoffs.
With this being the first year of the NCHSAA’s realignment from four classes to eight classes, the Gators, being one of 8A’s thirty-two schools, have a chance to make the state playoffs, which is clinched by the top twenty-four teams in 8A.
“That’s the goal every year: make the playoffs.” Head coach Ben Woolf said when asked about the Gators chances this season.
Coach Woolf, now in his third year as the Gators head coach noted the young talent the Gators had, but also described the role that upperclassmen play in mentoring those underclassmen athletes on the Green Level varsity team.
“I think they have done a really good job of helping them feel comfortable…they’ve made them feel welcome and they have given them their respect.”
Similarly, Rudolph described the underclassmen’s ability to make the varsity team diverse in age. Saying that “not only seniors are able to play well, but we’ve had people of all grades play well.”
Rudolph also highlighted the importance of their mindset of playing varsity football at an early level, “the best thing for the young guys is their mindset.”
Regarding the Gators injuries they’ve faced, Coach Woolf showed his anticipation for the return of seniors Jacob Fedich, Payton Buchanan, and Daniel Estes. But with a mix of young playmakers and experienced upperclassmen, Coach Woolf relayed his message for the Gators to exceed their expectations this season.
“We have to improve every week.”
The Gators enter conference play next week, marking their first season in the brand new Quad City 7 Conference, the Gators are knocking on the door for a chance at clinching the state playoffs this year, which would be the first time in Green Level football history.
The Gators hosts crosstown rival, and former conference opponent Cary tonight, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM. Make sure to wear neon for the Gator Goonies student section theme!
