It's been since 2007 that Battlefield last lost a game on opening day. Even then, that turned out to be the only regular season loss sustained by the Bobcats until the 2010 season.

Battlefield entered this past Friday night in Woodbridge determined not to snap that streak and, after a rough first quarter, found the groove they need to eventually defeat host Gar-Field 24-6.

The defending Group AAA state champions delivered two touchdowns and a field goal in the second quarter against the Indians. Senior running back Michael Tolliver took the honors of delivering Battlefield's first touchdown of the season on a short run inside the Gar-Field 10-yard line with 8:15 on the clock.

Senior kicker William Solomon then converted the first of his three successful PATs, putting Battlefield up 7-0. His second kick came a little over four minutes later that quarter after senior wide receiver Michael Jorgenson roped in a five-yard touchdown strike from junior quarterback Ryan Swingle.

Solomon even showed off some strong leg work of his own by nailing a 37-yard field goal with less than three minutes to go before half time. That put Battlefield out front 17-0, a score that held following an interception by senior defensive back Austin Wagner on a goal-line drive by Gar-Field.

The two teams swapped touchdowns in the third quarter. Running back Andrew Smith took care of business first for Battlefield on a short run before senior quarter back Ryan Mason responded for Gar-Field, hooking up with his classmate and receiver David Bailey for a 20-yard touchdown.

Battlefield plays host for the next three weeks in a row, with the team playing one of its two Thursday night games this week on September 1. The Bobcats are scheduled to play Cardinal District rival Hylton at 7 p.m. in Haymarket.

The game should have some added bit of excitement for players and fans alike. Hylton is responsible for snapping Battlefield’s 33-game regular-season winning streak last September in Woodbridge, prevailing 19-14 in a game the Battlefield staff credits with relieving the burden of victory from the players’ shoulders.

Hylton went undefeated during the regular season last year but lost to Battlefield in the Northwest Regional semi-finals at home in Woodbridge.

Cedar Run District play does not begin for Battlefield until September 30 when the Bobcats entertain Stonewall Jackson in the annual Battle of Bull Run.

In the weeks between the Hylton and SJ games, Battlefield faces Osbourn Park, Potomac and Patrick Henry (Roanoke).