It was a night of firsts for Wellen Park, including a first football win

It was a night of firsts for Wellen Park, as they secured an impressive 45-7 preseason victory over their new rival, North Port. Sophomore Curtis Bowdre, the first player to touch a football in a game for Wellen Park, unfortunately muffed the punt. However, the Eagles' performance improved dramatically after Bowdre's mistake. Sophomore quarterback Noah Wireman, the son of head coach Sascha Hyer, led his team to a thrilling comeback.

His 87-yard touchdown return on the second-half kickoff set the tone for the game. The 5-foot-7 speedster also contributed with a 46-yard TD pass in the third quarter, despite a blocked field goal attempt. Wellen Park showcased their determination and skill, scoring five touchdowns and a field goal in six drives. Sophomore Caleb Lawrence and senior Caleb Lawrence played significant roles in the team's success, as well as returning punts.

The team's performance was bolstered by strong fan support, with Jason and Nichole Wireman being the first fans in line for game time. In contrast, North Port struggled with 24 penalties for 180 yards and three turnovers, which ultimately contributed to their loss. Despite the preseason nature of the game, Wellen Park's win highlighted their potential and established a competitive atmosphere for the upcoming regular season.