Panthers to prey on Jackson Indians
The Bartlett Panthers football team does drills to prepare for the upcoming homecoming game, against the Jackson North Side Indians.
October 8, 2009 • written by Kimberly West
Filed under Sports
The Bartlett Panthers have had a rough start this football season. They have a current record of 2-4; however, after winning two games in a row they are feeling optimistic about the upcoming game, according to Panther’s coach, Bobby Armbruster. Homecoming is here, and most students wonder if the Panthers will step it up for another win.
Armbruster is concerned about the team’s lack of depth and whether they have enough skill to play at this level of football. However, he believes they have a great senior class, good linemen, and a lot of returning starters.
“The players that stand out the most are Willie Matthews, who is the number one leading rusher in the metropolitan area, as well as all of our seniors this year. After winning the last two weeks, we’re in a good position for the playoffs, but we need support from the fans,”Armbruster said.
At the homecoming game, the Panthers will be playing the Jackson North Side Indians. The Indians have a season record of 3-2, and a total of 46 varsity players. Up until last week North Side was tenth in State.
“North Side has a big line and great speed. They will be a challenge to beat and are good opponents, but we are very optimistic,” Armbruster said.
A total of 54 varsity Panthers are practicing daily to prepare themselves for another win. They practice every day, Sunday through Friday, for 2-3 hours.
Some players feel the pressure when trying to balance both their studies and their responsibilities to the team.
“It’s very difficult to balance school and football, but I don’t stay up any later than 12:00 [a.m.] doing work,” senior linebacker Vernon Cavitt said. “School doesn’t really affect football, but activities after school affect my school work.”
Meanwhile, Bartlett students are getting into the spirit of Homecoming. Spirit Week is a big deal here: a week full of different outfits and activities. Along with wearing red and blue everywhere, students have dressed up as athletes, nerds, and business people. On Class Distinction Day, each class wore a different neon color, making the halls a bright rainbow of team spirit.
The pep rally in 6th period today seeks to boost the spirits of not only the Panther players, but also the Panther students. The Pep Crew will be announcing the Homecoming Court, as well as the winner of the blue jeans decorating contest, and the cheerleaders will perform a routine to pump up the crowd.
Just before the game, the Panther Bookstore is sponsoring a dress-up tailgate party called The Point. There will be a DJ playing music, and students will be able to play a variety of games and enjoy entrees provided by various BHS clubs. To enter, students must be wearing the appropriate wristband.
Wristbands sell for $5, or a wristband and a ticket for the game are offered for $10. The Point starts at 5:30 and will be held on the BHS practice field.
Students must also follow a dress code, or they will not be admitted. Girls should wear dressy skirts or dresses, and boys should wear collared shirts and khakis.
The Point incorporates not only the student body, but also alumni and the entire Bartlett community in celebrating and supporting the Homecoming game and the Bartlett team.
“Last year we had about 350 people to show up for The Point, and we‘re hoping to have even more than that this year,” Panther Bookstore sponsor Cathy Bishop said. “It is actually a fundraiser for the football team, so all of the wristband sales go to the team.”
The flurry of activity that surrounds Spirit Week still culminates with the Homecoming Game, where the homecoming queen will be announced. The varsity team has been training hard to make sure that they come out on top with a win tonight against the Indians. No matter what the outcome of the game, the sea of red and blue will welcome their Panthers home with cheers and congratulations for a well-fought game and a job well done.
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