Polk County had gone a state-worst 21 games without tasting victory, but Friday night Logan Griswold and the Wildcats showed how tired they were of coming up short.
"These last two years we haven't won a game, so this means a lot," Polk coach Derrick Davis said after his team's 35-28 win at East Ridge.
"I'm so happy for these seven seniors who've stuck it out through the bad times. That's a streak you don't want to have hanging over your head."
Behind a monster 200-yard performance by Griswold on 40 carries, the Wildcats spoiled Tim James' opening game back at the helm of the Pioneers.
The Pioneers had fans believing the outcome would be a little different after Kashawn Cosey ran for a 72-yard score on their first possession. The Wildcats did anything but blink, however, racking up a 15-play drive on the following possession that ended with a Griswold score to tie the game.
The teams exchanged scores, but the Wildcats found themselves on top after a first half that totaled just six passes but more than 300 rushing yards combined by both teams.
The running trend continued with Polk County sticking to the ground and extending its lead to 13 points on its first possession of the second half, leaving the Pioneers scrambling for answers.
"He started as a tight end and my dad, who's on the staff, suggested to move him to fullback," Davis said of Griswold. "So far it's turned into a good move."
East Ridge would get as close as six points, but Davis' running philosophy was too much to overcome.
"I'm not going to make excuses. We just didn't play well enough to win the game," East Ridge coach Tim James said. "It's got to be tough for them right now but I think we're going to be fine. We just have to not get too emotional and keep believing in what we're doing."
The Wildcats totaled 315 yards compared to East Ridge's 247.
The Pioneers will be back at Raymond James Stadium this Friday to face Brainerd, while the Wildcats try to stretch a fresh winning streak against Sequoyah.
Contact John Mitchell at sports@timesfreepress.com