Ben Lytle ’17
Going into the Episcopal Game this year, the Tigers will have a 9-1 record and, once again, hold the title of Prep League Champions. Episcopal, on the other hand, boasts a 7-0 undefeated record going into the 115th game. There is no doubt that both teams want this win. Here, we will look at three outstanding Varsity athletes that will hit the field on Saturday wearing orange and black: DeQuece Carter, Jake Cooper, and John Kirven. All have had successful seasons thus far and are ready and prepared for The Game.
DuQuece Carter runs the ball against St Christopher’s School during Military Appreciation Day
DeQuece is a 3rd former and wide receiver from Louisa, Virginia. DeQuece has been playing football since he was six, starting with flag then moving to tackle when he was eight. Although a new boy, DeQuece has felt right at home on the Woodberry football team from the beginning. He has felt accepted and said he has worked right in with the team. When asked about his thoughts on The Game, he said he is more than excited to play. “We have the skill to win, we just have to play our best and execute during game time. One way or another it’s going to be a great game, and I’m excited to play in it.”
Jake Cooper completes a play during early ball training
Jake Cooper is a 5th former from Vienna, Virginia and this will be his first EHS game as a Varsity safety. He is definitely ready to play this year as he mentioned to me during his interview, “The loss to EHS last year humbled our program but made our team stronger and more determined. I remember what it felt like to lose last year and to watch that loss. We are not going to feel that way again.” It is fair to say the rest of the team feels the same way. He told me that he has been ready for The Game since last season, and, along with Jake, the entire team is ready for November 14th.
John Kirven stays strong against Bishop McNamara in Woodberry’s first-ever night game
John Kirven, a 5th form tight end from Raleigh, North Carolina and recent University of Virginia commit also spoke on the season and The Game. John started playing football when he was fifteen and made Woodberry’s Varsity team when he was a sophomore. John talked about how talented this year’s team is and how much potential the team has shown up to this point. He also mentioned that the 2015 football schedule has been one of the hardest in Woodberry’s history. The schedule is not getting any easier either, as John said, “EHS is looking very strong this year. It will not be a pushover game; obviously we suffered a loss last year, and we are more determined than ever to win The Game this year.” He and the rest of the team are ready to play, no doubt, and as John said, “When it is game time, it is pain time.”
There is no doubt that this year’s Woodberry vs. Episcopal matchup will be one for the books. With two extremely talented football teams playing for the 115th annual title, it is bound to be a hard fought battle. Catch the action at 2:00pm on Saturday, November 14th, in Alexandria and, as always, go Tigers!
Categories: Athletics
The Woodberry Oracle 