On Friday, Sept. 5, the boys varsity football team emerged victorious from the home opener at Stevenson high school with a hard fought win against Wheaton North High School. After falling behind by 7 in the first quarter, the Patriots took the lead after the third quarter and came out on top with 10-7.  

The beginning of the game was dominated by Wheaton North, who struck first with a 39-yard touchdown pass with four minutes left in the first quarter. Stevenson’s defense kept the point deficit manageable, stopping a promising Wheaton North drive forward with a key interception in the end zone, ending the half with Wheaton North leading 7-0. Despite trailing, Running Back Aidan Elliott ’26 describes the third quarter as a turning point that was significant in achieving their victory.

“In the first half we struggled, but our coaches made great adjustments at halftime,” Elliott said. “We came out more aggressive in the third and fourth quarters, and that’s when we turned it around.”

Special teams, responsible for the kicking plays, were key, with the coach putting in kicker Caden An ’26, who made a 47-yard field goal in the third quarter to get Stevenson onto the scoreboard. Later, Punter Ryan Tarr ’26 executed a punt that pinned Wheaton North at their own one-yard line, setting Stevenson up to win the game 10-7. An pointed to his long snapper and holder for setting him up for success.

“We were able to make key plays [thanks to the special teams], and it showed how important that part of the game really is,” An said.

The special teams unit helped recover Stevenson’s field position. Their successful defense allowed them to turn the game around and start playing offense instead of continuously defending themselves from Wheaton North’s attacks. The importance of effective coordination on the team, and how that contributed to their victorious outcome is described by Head Coach Brent Becker.

“Our players made plays when we needed them, and that’s what it’s about, finding a way to win the game,” Becker said.

As the game progressed, An believes the team’s mentality of always trying to improve, as well as their strategies on the field, would hold significance in determining the outcome of the game. Coming out of last week’s loss against Prospect High School, he notices how the players applied several key ideas to their game against Wheaton North.

“Last week we would have come out on top, but there were just some small mistakes,” An said. “We needed to fix some of the small details, stay on top of our stuff, and I think that carried over today.”

An believes the team’s ability to apply feedback resulted in a confident and encouraging mindset that improved the atmosphere of the game. In addition to the team’s mindset, Athletic Director D’Wayne Bates also notes the support from the stands in helping push the team through four quarters of the game.

“We are really thankful for our large Patriots band, our community support , and to our student section, the Patriot Pack,” Bates said. “The energy they brought all night.”