Team spirit is the heart of any program. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being on the field, and when you look up to the stands, you feel so much support that it’s overwhelming. But unfortunately, for the Warriors, having a crowd has become more of a luxury than a guarantee.
Walking into enemy territory is always an unsettling feeling as opposed to being at your home field. Sometimes playing at home can even feel stressful, but there’s always an extra feeling of comfort being able to look up at the stands and see familiar faces. With the lack of home games and the distance of the away games, having a student section feels like more of a surprise than a promise. “Wherever we are, our primary goal is to dominate,” junior linebacker Quinn Herring said. “For me, it’s about leadership and staying adaptable in any environment.”
The diminished student section has been another challenge. Away games often mean fewer students in the crowd, and although the football team appreciates those who make the trek, it’s not the same as the roaring crowd at home. Still, the team relies on each other to keep the momentum going and motivation high. They’ve had to generate their own energy and lean on each other. “When the stands are quiet, we just remind each other why we play,” senior defensive end Jonthan Diedrich. “We play for each other.”
For the seniors, however, the lack of home games carries a heavier toll. With the 2025 schedule featuring only three home games, one being on a Thursday and one during fall break, the team has been given the short end of the stick. Although it will be hard with the unconventional schedule, the football team’s seniors are doing their best to make the most of their final season. Whether this be through enjoying the late night bus rides or begging their friends to drive to Forsyth County to watch them play, the Dubs are finding ways to make their senior year one to remember. Senior Jack Ellenburg said, “It’s not the senior year we imagined, but we were making every game count, no matter where we play.”
Despite the obstacles, the dubs have continued to fight. They have so far proved that you can make magic happen without a home-field advantage. They’re determined to prove their worth and make the 2025 season worth remembering, even with the odds stacked against them.
