On Oct. 17, varsity football played its first night game of the season against the Boys’ Latin Lakers. At the end of regulation time, the score was tied at 30, but this was nowhere near the end for either team.

After four overtimes the Patriots’ offense scored and the defense made a stand, defeating the Lakers 47-40.

“I think what motivated us most was [the fact that it was] Senior Night, and the crowd that was there really pumped us up on the first night game of the year,” senior varsity defensive end Julian Meares said. “We knew we could win and just refused to lose.”

The team is making a run for the playoffs but must defeat Severn on Oct. 24 and Archbishop Curley Nov. 1, to ensure a spot in the championship game.

“Curley is always a tough team, [so] we need to play hard and have a good week of practice. We can’t take Severn too lightly, they’re a scrappy team and it’s another game we have to come out and play hard,” senior varsity running back Jerome Brown said.

Brown played a large role in the Patriots’ victory on Friday night. He rushed for over 100 yards and scored four touchdowns.

“It was fun because it was the first night game and you could tell everyone was excited to cheer on the team with their friends,” sophomore Shannon Norwood said.

This Friday’s 7 p.m. game is the final home game. It will be the Homecoming Game and last home game for all seniors playing.

Eric Johnson is a Sports Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.