It wasn’t just any other Friday night at Waynesville High School August 26, it was the opening night of the 2022 football season. As the time crept closer to the 7 pm  the stands became packed with beach wear clad fans, ready for the first kick off of the year. 

This was the first game for head coach Kyle Barkely, at Waynesville and the fans and enthusiasm for the Tigers shown through the curtain of the Glendale Falcons defense. Waynesville and Glendale definitely have some history as rivals. Waynesville has not won a game against Glendale in 13 year, and the Tigers were ready for a fight. Unfortunately the Tigers came up short.   

Davin Vernon started off strong with a 3 yard touchdown, making the score 6-0 in the first quarter. Glendale answered with two touchdown passes. Both teams headed to the locker room at half-time to regroup and focus on the best strategy that would end the game with a W. 

Although the tigers had a heartbreaking loss, they left their true dedication and love on the field. Waynesville will be back ready than ever next Friday September 2 at Parkview in Springfield.