BRUCE FIELD — As a result of hard work, dedication, and hustle, the Cedar Bluff Tigers pulled out a 35-18 win over the Class 3A Weaver Bearcats on homecoming, held Sept. 25.

Just before the game, Cedar Bluff's senior cheerleaders and football players were escorted onto the field by their parents for the traditional walkout. Senior cheerleader Mechelle Adams, along with players Garrett Crane and Kyle Crane, led the walkout followed by Maci Hughes, Destiny Humphrey, Audrey Leach, Katie McBurnett, Casey Murdock, Jim Nelson, Morgan Rattray, Nick Reed, Kemberlee Roberts, and Vanessa Smith. Helena Waits and Kai Wen finished out the line-up.

“Over the past years, we have not responded well on Homecoming,” said Crane. “However, this past week our team was well focused and prepared.”

The Tigers scored on the first two possessions, running up a 14-0 early in the first quarter. Quarterback Kyle Crane got points on the board with his 24-yard scoring pass to senior Nick Reed. The extra point attempt by junior Romando Williams was no good. Another Crane pass to Taylor brought the score to 12-0. Crane then passed to freshman DeAngelo Hardy for the two-point conversion.

Crane completed 6 out of 10 passes for 84 yards and two touchdowns.

The Bearcats scored the next two touchdowns, but failed on both extra point attempts.

Taylor scored another touchdown, with Williams coming through for a successful extra point attempt just before the second quarter ended. With an enormous sense of pride and accomplishment, the Tigers headed back into the locker room with head coach Jonathan McWhorter to gear up for a heated second half.

“We were challenged by the coaches throughout the week to keep our focus on the game through all of the Homecoming activities,” Nelson said. “And I believe we responded well to that challenge.”

The Bearcat band took the field quickly at the start of half-time, moments before the anticipated Homecoming Court representatives.

Freshman Haley Colbert was the first junior high Homecoming Princess nominee to take the field. Colbert was followed by seventh-grader Rylie Johnson and freshman Amber McNabb.

Former Homecoming Princess Mechelle Adams, a senior, was the first Homecoming Queen nominee to strut across the field, followed by sophomore Katy Hall and Waits.

The Leach sisters, Audrey – a senior and 2008 Homecoming Queen – and Hannah – a freshman and 2008 Homecoming Princess – were escorted onto the field by principal Bobby Mintz. A hush fell over the stadium before Adams was announced as 2009 Homecoming Queen; Colbert was crowned Homecoming Princess.

“Anticipating a loss, I hid my face behind my father's shoulder,” Adams said. “I felt overwhelmed with excitement when my name was called out. It was an unexpected honor, and I am very grateful to the student body for electing me.”

After the Tigers took the field to begin the second half, Taylor kicked things off for the Tigers by scoring another touchdown to up the score to 21-12. Next, Crane added a one-yard touchdown. Weaver scored the final touchdown on a 54-yard sprint with a minute and a half remaining in the game.

“I was proud of our team Friday night,” Crane said. “Homecoming is very stressful, and our guys did a great job focusing. I stressed all week long about the focusing part, and so did our coaches. Our guys pulled through, but I give all the glory to God for blessing us with great coaches and great teammates.”

Touchdown fireworks were donated by Fort Crowe Fireworks and handled by the Cedar Bluff Volunteer Fire Department.

The Tigers (4-2, 3-1), who lost 28-20 to Collinsville last week, will host the Spring Garden Panthers in a Class 1A, Region 6 game on Friday. Kick-off is at 7 p.m.