In a decisive season opener on August 18, 2025, the Brookwood Warriors faced a challenging defeat against the visiting Westfield Hornets, losing 44-0. The Hornets showcased their offensive prowess with an impressive 28-point second quarter, leading to a running clock in the second half.
Westfield’s offense was highly effective, throwing touchdown passes on all five of their first-half possessions. The team connected on six touchdown passes throughout the game, with distances covering 23, 31, 21, 42, 18, and 50 yards. This scoring efficiency highlighted the significant gap in experience and preparation between the two teams.
Brookwood’s Strategic Shift
In his first game as head coach, Daryl Jones aimed to implement a more deliberate offensive strategy. Brookwood attempted to control the game tempo, running the ball 28 times compared to just nine passes. The Warriors showed potential early on, advancing to the Hornets’ 47-yard line before a blocked punt halted their progress.
Jones emphasized the need for control, comparing their strategy to “walking the ball up the court” in basketball. He stated, “We’re going to try to possess the ball.” Despite their efforts, the Warriors struggled with execution, committing several mistakes that proved costly against a strong opponent.
Looking Ahead
The loss served as a learning experience for Brookwood. Jones acknowledged the challenges, asserting, “You can’t put the ball on the ground against a good football team. Our whole theme of no excuses—we’re not going to make any excuses.” He expressed determination to regroup and prepare for their upcoming match against a formidable Terrell program.
Quarterback Pearce Hightower contributed modestly, throwing for 42 yards and running for 11 yards. The team’s focus will now shift to refining their game plan and addressing the mistakes that led to their defeat.
As the season progresses, Brookwood will seek to build on this experience and establish a stronger footing in the league. The commitment to improvement and resilience will be crucial as they face new challenges ahead.
