Don and the boys practiced intently for almost five months in preparation for their paramount playoff run. Since beginning spring practices in May, to routinely working out weekday mornings during the summer, to practicing for multiple hours after school every day, the football players’ persistent work seemed to pay off as the Cavs clinched a 2 seed in the region. However, the Cavaliers faced adversity and hardships throughout the regular season and came together as a team to pull out victories when it mattered the most.

The Cavs faced their two toughest opponents to start the season but could not come up with a win against either of them. First, they travelled to Charleston to play Bishop England, which resulted in a 64-46 loss; in week two, they traveled to Broome High School only to lose by a score of 55-3.

After two of their worst defensive outings to start the season, the Cavs collected themselves in week 3, shutting out West Oak by a final score of 50-0 and earning their first win.

Unfortunately, however, they faced Greenville High, the toughest opponent they would face all year, in week 4. At the end of the first quarter, the Cavs were only down by a touchdown, but the Raiders capitalized on a stingy Cavalier defense by outscoring the Cavaliers 41-7 over the rest of the game, winning by a final score of 55-14.

Since then, coach Frost experimented with moving players around to different positions, hoping it would positively impact the team’s performance, specifically the defense. Fortunately, it worked, and the Cavs beat 5A Riverside and Calhoun Falls, going into region play at .500.

Christ Church’s first region game was at home against St. Joes. After taking a commanding 31-14 lead at halftime, the Knights rallied together the second half, making things interesting. Fortunately, the Cavs pulled through, holding off St. Joes and winning the game 51-48.

The following week, the Cavaliers travelled to Landrum to face one of their most aggressive opponents all year. Going into a packed Landrum stadium on the road did not deter them, however, and the Cavalier defense held the Cardinals to only seven points throughout the entire game.

The Cavs played in the region championship against Blacksburg a week later, losing in a battle to defending region champs Blacksburg by a final score of 47-24. This game was a rematch of the region championship last year in which the Cavs barely lost.

Lauren Petrarca

The next week, the Cavaliers traveled to Chesnee to face Chesnee High School to play a high-stakes game in which the victor would finish 2nd place in the region with a first round home playoff game. Throughout this game the Cavs had to overcome plenty of adversity as the Eagles jumped out to an early 9-0 lead. The Cavs battled their way back, winning by a score of 36-38.

With this win, the Cavs had to play the Ninety Six Wildcats. This was thought to be a pretty fair matchup for the Cavs, but the Wildcats strong running game was just too much to handle. The Cavs lost by a final score of 56-36, ending their season earlier than expected.

While the Cavs didn’t reach their ultimate goal of a state championship, they achieved a lot by overcoming all sorts of adversity. They played teams much faster and stronger than them, yet they put up points every game and finished second in the region.