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'Seems like they've been waiting for awhile' | Chad Campbell gets Westfield first region title in nearly a decade

This is the first region title for the Hornets since the founding of the GIAA.

PERRY, Ga. — With their 26-10 win over St. Anne-Pacelli, Westfield is one of the GIAA 3A 2024 Region Champions. Second-year head coach Chad Campbell said it's been a long time coming for the Westfield community.

"Seems like they've been waiting for awhile," Campbell said.

It's a feeling none of the current players are used to.

"It's definitely a feeling I haven't felt before because in the past we really haven't won that much so I think this year's definitely super special, especially with it being senior year," said senior wide receiver Jackson St. Clair.

Senior safety Russ Hiley said they haven't brought that title home since 2015.

"That was a big thing for us because we haven't won in nine years," Hiley said.

The region title comes in the Hornets' second season under Campbell.

"Just happy for the kids on what they've put in the last two years and see them be successful on the field and that's what it's all about watching them be happy," Campbell said.

Before the season got underway, Campbell said the coaches wanted to focus on improving their offense. St. Clair said they're still getting things down.

"This is our second year in this offense so we're still kind of building on last year but I felt like now we've gotten to the point that we know what we're doing and everyone's more efficient," the senior said.

His classmate Hiley said marking that milestone was a big moment for them, but not a surprise.

"I think we always thought we could do it and had the mindset that we were going to win this year and we're just looking for that state championship now," Hiley said.

With their eyes on the playoffs, St. Clair said people shouldn't underestimate them because of their size.

"We're definitely smaller than other teams but I mean we got some guys that can really run and I feel like that's what separates us from a lot of teams. We can go out there we can play," St. Clair said.

Westfield was knocked out of the playoffs in the first round last season, but coach said postseason play requires a different mindset.

"You cannot have any off nights and the kids have got to understand that one bad night could end your season with all the success you've had all year and it really only takes one, two plays, so you've got to focus in there's got to be a different mindset when it comes to playoff time," Campbell said.

Hiley said when it comes to playoffs, the hornets are getting ready to sting the next team that crosses their path.

"We're going to come and we're going to play hard and we're going to hit you in the mouth and we're going to do all we can to win," Hiley said.

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