Center Hill High School started the football season on a positive note with a win over Manassas High School, 27-6.

“Jacob Ressler did enough Friday night to win the whole game by himself,” Mustang defensive coordinator coach Tri Nason said.

The team was led by Ressler, a senior defensive tackle, who blocked two punts. One was recovered for a touchdown by Devonta Street. Ressler also was able to put enough pressure on Manassas’ center to cause a dozen missed snaps.

“You know, it’s just a game,” Ressler said. “I just played. I think we just played well together as a team and we got better over the course of the game.”

The first half of the game the Mustangs had trouble holding on to the ball; however, going into the locker room at half time, CHHS had the lead, 8-6.

Nason said that the defense played well, despite a few errors.

“The offense is very young, and with experience, we’ll be able to correct most of their mistakes,” he said.

Practice is critical to the team effort, junior running back and receiver Taylor Jordan said.

“The team did a good job working together,” Jordan said. “We worked hard all week on the practice field, and we’re just proud to get the win.”

Junior right tackle Joe Herbert agreed.

“We were the team that was really prepared, and it felt like we wanted it more than they did,” he said.

Both said they feel that the senior players, Jamie Hernandez in particular, played a huge roll in keeping the team hyped and motivated for Friday nights.

“It’s their senior year, and they really want to go far, so they’re going to motivate the whole team to play hard,” Herbert said.

Also adding to the hype Friday night at The Hill was the Insane Stang student section.

The first game was “pretty impressive, and a great way to start the season,” said junior Ashlynn Lunz, who was front and center at the Manassas game.

Several players said they could hear the cheering from the student section, and knowing they have the support of the student body pumps them up even more. The next home game will be Aug. 26, when the Mustangs host Collierville.