Just 15 seconds into play of the Oct. 2 Homecoming game against the Knightdale Knights, Garner set the stage for what would be a night to remember.

After a field goal attempt by the Knights was thwarted, the Trojans took the ball down the field.

However, the first quarter ended in a 7-0 lead by Garner and the Trojans kicked off to the Knights to start the second quarter.

A Trojan interception by Junior defensive back Davonte Akinson left the ball at the Garner 27-yard line.

Sophomore running back Juwan Moye took the ball into the endzone for a 14-0 lead over Knightdale.

After a turnover to the Trojans, Senior quarterback Cody Woodall’s pass was picked off by Aric Tuck, a Senior defensive back for Knightdale. The Knights tried to move the ball, but the Trojans’ defense kept them at bay.

With 3:48 left in the half, the Trojans took the ball down the field for another Garner touchdown. The Trojans had a 21-0 lead.

The Knights moved the ball back to the Trojan 16-yard line, but couldn’t hold onto it. The Knights gave up another interception for a Trojan first down at Garner’s 20-yard line.

Woodall couldn’t find a the right connection and Garner lost the ball to a punt from the Garner 11-yard line. This time, the Knights’ attempt to score was successful and the team was on the board with a Trojan lead of 21-7 at the half.

Trojan fans screamed, “Let’s go defense,” while Connor Torello kicked off to the Knights to start the second half. However, the Trojans allowed another Knight touchdown, bringing the score to 21-14. On the next Trojan possession of the ball, Garner moved to the Knights’ 11-yard line only to be pushed back four yards. While the Knights wouldn’t give up a touchdown on the run, the Trojans sneaked by with a field goal before turning over the ball once again to Knightdale.

The Trojans were in the red zone once again during the quarter and drove in the ball for another Garner touchdown with just 21 seconds left in play.

However, the Knights sought revenge and ran in an 85-yard touchdown for the knights on receiving the ball. The extra point went wide and the score went to 31-20 with the Trojans ahead.

The Trojans were able to take in one more touchdown during the game with 7:19 left in the game taking Garner to a 38-20 win over the Knights.

Senior quarterback Cody Woodall said the team knew how important the game was to their season and the school in general. He was proud of the effort made by the Trojans on both sides of the ball.

“We had to win this game,” he said.

This Friday, the Trojans face off with Smithfield-Selma in an away game. Woodall said the team would be ready. Some things never change

Spirit was never lacking during Homecoming week – from the long hours of float building to the highly competitive powder puff game.

Matt Powell and Dasmier Chambers were crowned Garner’s 2009 Homecoming King and Queen during a half-time show.

Chambers said it felt wonderful to be recognized by her classmates. She said the level of school spirit throughout Homecoming week was amazing.

“I want to thank everyone that voted for me,” Powell said. “It’s an honor.”

While Powell liked the acknowledgment from his peers, he dedicated his crown to Jackson King who was in a car accident Thursday evening.

The crowd chanted King’s name during the game in support of the Garner Magnet High School student.

Drew Cook said he wasn’t sure about what to expect in his first Homecoming week as principal, but the entire week was a great time for students and staff.