The Greatest Sport

There is just something about playing high school football, the lights, the fans, and all your friends cheering you on, with adrenaline pumping through your body. Practicing hard all week getting ready for that one night where you will put all out to win that game. Warming up before the game, stretching every muscle so you can perform at your best. Praying in the locker room with your teammates. The excitement of running through the tunnel as the crowed goes wild, all of that before you play the best game ever.

The team went 6-4 and had the first winning season since 2005. “It was great being able to finally win and be successful,” said senior offensive lineman Josh Mechling. “I feel that it was good to go out as a senior winning,” said senior Quinton Graham who experienced his first winning season as a Cowboy.

Seniors who were starved for a winning season led this year’s team. The team had 12 seniors, four who transferred in after the Southwestern City Schools levy did not pass. The addition of the ten new players helped the Cowboys tremendously. “My senior year was great, but I wish we would have won against Hilliard Bradley,” said transfer Josh Mechling who had a big effect on this years offensive line. West lost a heartbreaker to Hilliard Bradley by one point in the first game of the season.

This season was full of excitement, having one of the most explosive offenses in the city, which was led by senior quarterback Eric Stewart and senior running back Jon Parks. The Cowboys were in almost every game this season and had a chance to win every one. “Leadership, knowledge of the game and what it takes to win, is what the seniors brought to the table this year,” said Coach Mike Flusche “This is the best senior class I had in my four years at West”. This year’s team played their hearts out every game and actually played together as a team throughout the entire season.

This year’s team will be remembered for outstanding individual and team performances such as winning 74-71 over Independence High School in the highest scoring game in Central Ohio history. “This game was crazy and many thought that it was basketball season with a score like this,” said Flusche. Eric Stewart also won Athlete of the Week with over 300 yards passing and 7 touchdowns. Jon Parks also had 7 touchdowns in the victory. Quarterback Eric Stewart also broke Central Ohio’s all time passing yards (8,421) and touchdown record(85). So as all the great times come to an end and now become memories the Cowboys had a great and successful season and we hope there are many to come.
    

Senior Quarterback Eric Stewart throwing a pass down the field. The Cowboys won big over Fairport Harding in their third game of the season.

Eric Stewart (#1) and Jon Parks (#5) celebrating after a Cowboy touchdown. This was one of the many touchdowns scored in the game by the Cowboys.

The Cowboys putting their helmets in the air before the opening kickoff in Friday nights game against Fairport Harding.