School began this week across the area and tonight the first Friday football games were played at local highschools. Carl Junction had their first home game, against fierce rival Webb City. When the Bulldogs are home the marching band provides the halftime entertainment, along with support for the football team with rousing songs during the game.
Home game, marching band…that means this Yaya was on the sideline, cheering for the Bulldog team and the band as my grandson Dayan marched onto the field.
This first game was huge. The rivalry between these two local schools is friendly and intense, which created a record breaking attendance this evening at the Bulldog Stadium.
At the half, the score was Carl Junction 10, Webb City 0. And the Marching Bulldogs took the field. I loved watching the halftime performance. The band performed World War II, Remembering an Era, expertly moving together across the field as they played. The band then brought the crowd to its feet with the Bulldogs Fight Song. It was an excellent halftime show!
When the football game began again, it was obvious the Bulldogs were all business. They only allowed the Webb City Cardinals one touchdown. As the second half ticked down on the clock, the energy within that stadium soared. Last year, Carl Junction lost to Webb City by one point, in the last seconds of the game. The Bulldogs were not about to repeat that situation
It’s been 39 years since Carl Junction won in a football game against Webb City. Many of the players’ parents weren’t born yet the last time CJ claimed victory over WC. Fans were on their feet. There was cheering and screaming and thunderous applause. I was part of that, carried along by the wave of excitement.
Yes, it was a high school football game. And it was a historic moment, not witnessed before in the lifetimes of most of the crowd.
The Carl Junction Bulldogs prevailed, winning their opening home game, 23-7.
What a fun evening. I’m proud of the Bulldogs, both the football team and the marching band. They gave their best tonight, and much deserved celebrations were rampant after the game. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to witness a game that will be talked about for years to come.
Go Bulldogs! Have a great rest of the year.
Watch the wonderful halftime performance HERE