By Scott Richards
CP Sports Reporter
Last week, Caroline High School celebrated home coming with enough festivities to keep even the most avid fan or alumni more than busy. Thursday night featured a bonfire that was reportedly attended by as many returning graduates as there were present day students. The real celebration came on Friday, however starting at 5:30 p.m. with the ribbon cutting for the new construction that is all but finished. Attended by school board personnel and several members of the board of supervisors.
Principal Jeff Wick was the emcee welcoming all who attended and introducing first of all Cavalier senior Shannon Britt, who expressed her appreciation for the improvements that have been made to the school. Britt is currently applying to UVA for early admission. Speaking on behalf of the school board, Nancy Carson continued to praise the work done and the opportunities afforded.
Principal speaker Dr. George Parker stated that the final check lists and touch up work was under way and should be finished during the month of October. Parker listed some of the curriculum expansion to include such courses as robotics. Caroline High School will be able to provide an education for its students that will more than prepare them not only for college, but for the workforce as well. In addition to increasing the capacity from 1400-1600 students, Parker commented 15 classrooms, a media center, and a new administration center had been added. A new HVAC unit completely replaced the old system, along with a new fire alarm. Most people are aware of the improvements to the athletic facilities at Caroline. Already, they have served as a center for regional sports activities. It was noted that this project is being completed on budget.
“This is a win-win situation for the community as well as the school,” remarked Parker.
After the ribbon cutting, the culinary arts department provided an amazing tailgate meal on the patio outside Chef Jazz’s classroom that gave a new twist on the normal hamburger and hotdog menu. Included were bacon cheeseburgers using Krispie Kreme donuts as a bun. While enjoying the meal, the homecoming parade was routed so those enjoying the repast could observe.
Of course, the homecoming game against Spotsylvania High School followed with the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen during halftime. Both Caroline and Spotsylvania football teams have had a difficult past few years, with both teams showing a lot of improvement this year. The game was won by the Spotsy Knights by a score of 26-19.
The first quarter was scoreless with both teams missing opportunities to score. It was not until the second quarter that Spotsylvania drew first blood with 11:13 remaining in the half. Caroline came back at the 5:42 mark as Akeem Grant caught a six yard pass to score and tie the game 7-7. Not to be outdone, the Spotsy Knights scored on a 32 yard pass play with 59.9 seconds until intermission. The half ended with the score: Caroline 7, Spotsylvania 14.
The third quarter was all Spotsylvania scoring with merely 1:40 gone in the second half on a 14 yard run. The two point PAT failed. Spotsy scored again on a 29 yard run and the quarter ended 7-26 in favor of Spotsylvania. It was their last score of the game.
In the fourth quarter, Caroline made a comeback that fell short. Running standout Gareth Coleman showed his versatility catching a pass for 34 yards and a score. With 2:27 seconds left in the game, Coleman’s twin brother, Gavin scored on a 10 yard pass play. The game ended with the final score in favor of Spotsylvania, 26-19.
“There were a lot plays left on the field tonight,”said Caroline Coach Antron Yates, “We should have won this game, we are not the team that was here in previous years.”
Next week, the Cyclones of Eastern View blow into Milford, offering the Cavaliers their greatest challenge this season. Rest assured, Yates and his staff will have prepared the Cavaliers for this challenge.
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