The junior varsity team came into homecoming weekend seeking their first win of the season. After another disheartening loss, the Patriots came up empty-handed.
On Oct. 20, the Patriots hosted the middling Gaithersburg Trojans for their sixth contest of the season. On the first play of the game, the Gaithersburg kickoff was unfielded by the Patriot returners and the Trojans pounced on the ball to take possession at the Patriots’ 16-yard line.
On the ensuing play, the Trojans scored on a rushing touchdown, taking a 6-0 advantage. Sophomore linebacker Ralin Lewis stuffed Gaithersburg for a seven-yard loss on fourth down on the Trojans’ next possession, but the Patriot offense couldn’t capitalize on the stop and were forced to punt. In the second quarter, the Gaithersburg offense tacked on three touchdowns to build a 29-0 lead at halftime.
Though the outcome was decided, the Patriots showed promise in the second half. Junior defensive back Eddie Xiao intercepted a Gaithersburg pass off a tip in the third quarter, and freshman quarterback Larry Feldman completed a five-yard touchdown pass to fellow freshman Erich Mayne to put the Patriots on the board. The Patriots ultimately lost 43-8 and suffered their sixth loss.
Even with six straight losses, the JV team is keeping their heads up. “It’s mainly the coaches keeping us mentally ready,” Mayne said. “Our coaches tell us not to get down at each other when we make mistakes.”
The Patriots’ season finishes with games at Churchill on Oct. 29 and Clarksburg on Nov. 3. “It looks pretty intense,” Mayne said of the remaining schedule.
Still, the Patriots are up for the challenge.

John Riker

Online Editor