Raleigh — After going through a rebuilding phase last year, the East Wake Middle School football has approached the field with excitement and determination this season.

Game one against West Millbrook started the boys off well for the season. In a demanding 40-0 win many hands touched the ball, creating turnovers, interceptions and touchdowns. The defense held West Millbrook to nothing. The Warriors were excited about how well they played, but did not become over-confident.

The second game was played at home against Leesville Road. The Leesville team came out on the field and at first glance appeared to outsize the Warriors, but the home team didn’t back down. Both offense and defense played well as a team with each member doing their part. The team sent Leesville home 30-0.

The team’s first conference game came against Heritage in Zebulon. In a game where both teams were undefeated, Heritage shut East Wake’s offense down through the first half. Defense helped the Warriors get on the board with a safety, leaving them up 2-0 at the half.

Halftime chats made a visible difference, as East Wake scored, making the score 10-0, before Heritage answered. In the end, however, the Warriors came out on top 16-6.

Game four was played at home against East Millbrook, another undefeated conference team. The Fifth Quarter play had East Wake fans looking a little nervous as the East Millbrook players entered the end zone twice, but when regulation began, it was all East Wake. Hard hits from both defensive and offensive sides of the ball could be heard back to the concession stand. Coach Justin Smith looked tense, telling a teacher at one point, “there’s still 20 minutes of game time” when asked why he looked so nervous. However, as the last seconds of the game ran out the scoreboard showed 24-0, sealing another win for the East Wake Warriors.

Although 4-0, the coaches and the team continue to practice hard and prepare for each game as if it is their first. The team takes on Wendell Middle at home today (Wednesday) and Wake Forest-Rolesville Middle the next week, also at home. The Warriors then travel to Zebulon Middle to face their rivals Oct. 29.