On Friday night all of the seniors who participate in fall athletics were recognized at the football game. This was just a precursor to what transpired later that evening. The varsity Trojans took on the Martinsville Bulldogs in a battle of two 0-8 teams searching for their first win. 

The game started off with a Trojan drive taking up most of the first quarter clock until the Bulldogs forced a punt. Martinsville took over and after a couple of first downs the Trojans took over after a Bulldog punt. 

The second quarter began with the Trojans driving again. After getting down to the Martinsville 20 yard line, the Trojans threw an interception to give Martinsville the ball. 

The Bulldogs took advantage of their opportunity and scored from five yards out to take the lead 7-0. This score, however, did not hinder the Trojans from driving once again. On 3rd and goal, senior Buck Long ran behind a strong push from the offensive line for a Trojan touchdown. After a failed extra point the Bulldogs lead at halftime 7-6. 

The second half started off beautifully for the Trojans as sophomore Damani Hairston ripped the ball out of the Bulldog running back’s hand and returned it to the 50 yard line. The Trojans could not capitalize as they fumbled the ball back to Martinsville. 

After some back and forth punting, Martinsville had the ball in Trojan territory. Damani Hairston intercepted a pass from the quarterback to record his second takeaway. Tunstall took the ball into the fourth quarter looking to take their first lead of the game. 

Late in the fourth quarter after several defensive stands, senior Grant Elliott intercepted a pass and returned it to the Martinsville four yard line. On fourth and goal it was time for the big boy to shine. Senior offensive lineman Freddie Arthurs took the handoff and waltzed into the endzone to give the Trojans a late 12-7 lead. 

The Trojan defense would hold one last time to close out the Bulldogs chances of ruining Senior Night for THS. 

Sophomore Damani Hairston has stepped up and became an important piece of the Trojan defense. Hairston recorded a fumble recovery for a touchdown against Patrick County a week ago. He recorded a fumble recovery and an interception for the Trojans against Martinsville. 

Hairston believes in himself and he has bet on himself to be a star athlete. “I’ve just gotten a lot more confident these last few weeks, i’m not beating myself up like the first half of the season, plus my coaches have always told me never give up when the odds are against us. So I try to go out and show out every time I get onto the field. I play with passion,” Hairston said. 

Senior Freddie Arthurs had his number called to put the game away for the Trojans. He was nothing short of excited when he crossed the goal-line. “It felt amazing knowing that I finally got the opportunity to run but it was even better knowing it was to win the game on senior night,” Arthurs said. 

The Trojan offensive line stepped up and gave a large push throughout the night. The offensive line consisting of senior Freddie Arthurs, senior Jesse Fox, senior Peyton McBride, sophomore Noah Dickens, and senior Ridge Mills led the Trojans to 155 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. 

The victory was the first for THS this season.  Your varsity Trojans travel to Halifax County to take on the Blue Comets in the last game of the season. Kickoff will be at 7 p.m.