The Thomas Worthington High School football team celebrated its first win of the season with an at-home victory over Grove City. The Cardinals came out strong, fueled by the energy from the crowd and their determination to defend their home field. The offense delivered key plays in the first half, setting the tone for the rest of the game. This hard-fought win marks a significant milestone and a boost in momentum as the season continues.
Nick Zalewski (D-End 2026) reflected on how momentum was established early on in the game. He emphasized how the opening moments set the tone,
“The biggest difference is that we started out hot. When Sully laid that kid out on kickoff, it really hyped up our defense. That’s what led to our 3-and-out and good field position for the offense. Our offense scoring quickly also helped keep the momentum going,” Zalewski said.
This early burst of energy didn’t just spark the players– it rippled into the stands as well. The crowd fed off the intensity, and the excitement fueled the cheerleaders as well,
“The energy made it a lot more fun, everyone was invested in the game, and all of the cheerleaders were definitely more energetic,” senior cheerleader Cheyenne Marlett said.
The surge of support from the stands set the stage for an unforgettable night, making the first win of the season even more special.
“The first win, being on the home field, was awesome. Everyone rushing the field and being able to ring the bell immediately was the best feeling. Defending our home field and honor felt really great,” said Zalewski.
While the football team was celebrating the importance of starting their season with a home victory, the cheerleaders also reflected on their favorite moments from the game.
“My favorite part is when the drumline comes over in front of the student section with us and plays Young Money for us to dance to and hype up the crowd,” Marlett said.
Beyond those favorite moments, the focus shifted to what comes next, as the team and cheerleaders look towards continuing their success throughout the season.
“Grove City was a pretty good team; to beat them shows that all the hard work this team has done is finally paying off. We should definitely be winning more games this year.” Zalewski proclaimed.
The home crowd brought nonstop energy, and the team’s plays kept everyone on their feet. Scoring the first win at home made the moment all the more sentimental. After this win, the football team and the cheerleaders are ready to keep up the momentum for the rest of the season.
