The Blackman football team’s first game of the 24-25 season was an away game against the Brentwood Bruins. The game started off with the National Anthem, performed by the Brentwood Chamber Choir. During halftime, both schools’ marching bands performed their halftime shows.
Sarah Leslie, a senior at Blackman and a manager of the team, expected a close game with many touchdowns. She said that the team prepared through their many practices and by watching Brentwood’s film from last year.
The student section for Blackman had a large turn-out, showing the Blackman pride that gives the team that extra push. Seniors Connor Basham, Rylan Selvidge, Zachary Taylor and Noah Deranek from the Blaze Boys said that the team’s defense was, “Dominating,” and that they seemed to be working well with the guidance from their coaches. They saw great dedication to Blackman, and said they were looking forward to future games.
The game had many big plays, including #28, junior Jabari Kemp’s 40-yard touchdown run, #32, sophomore Julius Malden’s forced fumble before halftime, and #0, senior Jayden Guy’s multiple third down conversion receptions.
There were a couple of players who got cramps during the game, but luckily for Blackman every player walked away from the game healthy.
Throughout the game, Blackman made two touchdowns and Brentwood made three along with a field goal in the second quarter. Player #79, senior Archie Roseman explained, “The overall defense had a really good game. While we did allow two touchdowns, we were stopping them all game.” He also talked about Blackman’s offensive performance, saying that in the fourth quarter they let off and got complacent because of the scoreboard.
Blackman was leading the game throughout the first three quarters, but the Bruins took the lead in the fourth quarter, earning them the win with the score 24:14.
According to Roseman, Blackman looks forward to future games, expressing that they won’t be letting off because of the scoreboard again. “That’s never happening again. Like I said, 110% all four quarters. We ain’t looking at the scoreboard.”
