Playing in its first football game in 290 days, the Wayne Christian football team was more than ready for its season opener against Community Christian.
The Eagles were dominant in all phases of the game as they flew over Community Christian 70-36 on Friday evening.
Wayne Christian head coach Luis Miranda said he was proud of his team for winning the game and overcoming so much adversity just to get on the field.
“I’m so proud of them for the way they responded,” Miranda said. “We beat them, and I think a part of it was those big plays that we had, but what I want to see is the growth.
“To be out here with the kids means so much.”
The Eagles’ offensive fireworks, which excited the Eagles’ limited home crowd, commenced early and often.
However, on its opening possession Wayne Christian fumbled, and three plays later, Community Christian scored and converted the two-point conversion to take an 8-0 lead.
On the following possession, Wayne Christian executed a perfect jet sweep that saw Jayquan Curry jet 60 yards to the barn. The Eagles made the two-point conversion, and in just two minutes of game time, the score was tied 8-8.
“When we fumbled on that first drive, and they went down and scored a touchdown, I told the boys ‘they’re not afraid of you,’ so we came back and responded with a touchdown.
“After that, our defense settled down, and our offense got into a groove.”
Suffice to say, the Eagles’ speed gave Community Christian fits all evening.
The Eagles scored on their next five possessions, with the Eagles’ stout defensive outfit working hard to shut down Community Christian’s offense.
After scoring on its opening possession, Community Christian failed to score again in the first half, and Wayne Christian led 46-8 at halftime.
“The talent in our skill positions, I think, is unmatched right now, and their hard work showed,” Miranda said. “Our three keys words this year are fast, aggressive and one, which means to play as one team.”
“It’s always for the greater good of the team, and the fact that it came together in this game is just amazing.”
Community Christian flexed its offensive muscle in the second half but never managed to make the score close as the Eagles continued to fly high in the second half.
The Eagles improved to 1-0 overall host Bethel Christian next Friday.
