After 5 years of battling against Blythewood, Westwood brings home the axe. On September 23, Battle of the Axe week kicked off with a series of spirited dress-up days that had everyone buzzing with excitement. Monday was Twin Bucks Day, where students paired up in matching outfits, creating a sea of dynamic duos roaming the halls.
Tuesday saw a role reversal as teachers dressed as students and students dressed as teachers, leading to plenty of laughs and double-takes.
Wednesday brought out the cowboy in everyone with Western Wednesday, featuring boots, hats, and flannels.
Neon Day on Thursday turned the school into a vibrant, glowing spectacle, while Friday’s Camo Day had everyone blending in with the surroundings, ready for the big game.
A sophomore, Brianna Garrett, shared what she thought about Spirit Week.
“The atmosphere throughout was incredible. The cheers, the decorations, and the overall excitement really pumped up the week. It felt like we were all part of something special, and that definitely boosted the team’s confidence.”
Throughout the week, the school also organized a can donation drive, encouraging students to contribute to a good cause while fostering a sense of community. The activities didn’t stop there; games and competitions kept the energy high and the anticipation building for the main event.
The highlight of the week was undoubtedly the football game against Blythewood.
The atmosphere was electric as Westwood High took to the field, determined to clinch the win. Justin Washington, Varsity Safety/Cornerback, shared his thoughts on what he thinks won them the game:
“We defensively did our assignments. Also, we delayed the rotations. Our defense prevented them from scoring close to the endzone time and time again and with little time on the clock, my interception sealed the game.”
He added, “When we scored the first touchdown of the game, my interception, and holding the axe with Ms. Nicholson were the most unforgettable moments.”
Angelo Rios, the Varsity Running Back, talked about what he felt during the game,
“When we won, it was a great feeling because we were 25-point underdogs and nobody really believed that we could win. The atmosphere was great. We actually had a student section that kept up with the game and cheered, which was the first time I had even seen them do that.”
He emphasized the importance of team spirit and preparation, noting:
“A key factor to our team’s success was the team’s energy and keeping everybody’s head up even when things didn’t go our way in the game. Also, it starts in practice. We had a good week of practice and it all translated to the game.”
The victory was particularly sweet as Westwood High had not beaten Blythewood in years. The feeling of triumph and unity was visible, and it was a week that will be remembered for years to come.
