The passion ran deeper than an ordinary football game when two Ward 7 powerhouses clashed Friday night.
Friendship Collegiate reigned supreme in the annual “Ward 7 Clash of the Titans” over H.D. Woodson, 25-19, but the final score wasn’t the most intriguing part of the game.
The essence of parent involvement into the athletics careers of these young men was prevalent through their passion expressed in cheering on their children.
Many of these student-athletes are using football as a vehicle towards higher education, a fact that shouldn’t be lost on those watching, parents and school officials said.
“It’s all about Ward 7, we’re here to represent our community proudly,” said H.D. Woodson Athletic Director Reesie Morgan. “You hear of all the negative news circulating the youth in the area, but when they’re doing positive in the classroom or on the field the news is held to a minimum. Clash of the Titans expresses athletic and academic excellence in Ward 7.”
With the budding talent on the field earning looks from Division 1 football programs, parents such Jamal Woods, father of Woodson linebacker Ishmael Robinson, expressed the impact such games have on young minds who aspire to be great.
“Ishmael is a God-fearing young man, he uses football to learn lessons about family, leadership and work ethic,” Woods said. “It’s a great feeling to have your children play in a game that is recognized as a classic, especially in Ward 7. You can get the feeling that the city [couldn’t] care less about us, but positives like Clash of the Titans provides opportunity for the children and it’s great to receive support from neighboring schools and sponsors.”
The game, which sold out within minutes, was sponsored by Monumental Sports Network, which allowed local constituents to watch home.
While they may be 0-2 against Friendship Collegiate, Woodson looks to bounce back in their next contest against Theodore Roosevelt. Friendship Collegiate aims to remain undefeated against DeMatha on Sept. 22.