The Revival of Friday Night Lights

(Michael Belcher / Eagle Talon)

Paxon’s New Turf Field Unveiled

Anticipation buzzes through the air. You can feel the pulsing energy from the crowd in the stands. It’s the first game on the new turf field and you can’t let your school down. Transitioning from grass to turf over the summer wasn’t a big deal, or was it?

Earlier this year, Paxon became the third school in DCPS to receive an artificial turf field. Construction began in February, making them relocate athletics still using the field, and it finished just in time for football season with a ribbon cutting for the field on the first game. The new field has generated a lot of excitement for both players and staff.

The installation process was lengthy, though many believe that the outcome will be worth the time taken.

“The first thing they had to do is dig up all the old field and they dug down seven inches and removed everything that was from the top of the field down seven inches,” athletic director Maltbie Brown said. “Then they came in and flattened it, put in two inches of sand or an inch of sand, rocks, and then five inches across from the ground.”

The team and coaches have experienced many benefits from this transition to artificial turf. The field cost the school approximately $1.6 million, but it is expected to save the school money and time in the long run.

“I save about four hours a week between cutting, lining, and the only maintenance we truly have on the turf field right now is just dragging it once a month,” Brown said.

The field has been extremely well received by coaches, administrators, and especially students. During the first football game of the season, there was a great fan turnout with " target="_blank">a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new field.

(Michael Belcher / Eagle Talon)

"This new field will bring more people to watch us play," defensive tackle Antonio Blair said. "Under Friday night lights, this turf field is something to witness and be proud of.  It was a long time coming."

The new field has the school's signature golden eagle in the middle with bright green turf and crisply painted white lines, both end zones are painted a deep, continuous navy blue throughout.

"Students and families have generally been impressed with the appearance of the turf," Principal Dr. Royce Turner said. "Many comments on the clean look of the field."

The turf field has a hard "sleek" feeling, with less give, and some athletes say turf fields feel easier to grip with cleats, allowing them to accelerate faster. Many athletes prefer artificial turf over their natural grass counterparts.

"Turf fields are a lot nicer to play on, I look forward to being able to use it every home game," lacrosse player Evan Harding said. "This is a great upgrade from the old field."

Many football players have different opinions on the field change. Players who like the turf described how it helped them during the game and in practice, seeing an influence on how they played the sport.

“Turf is just really comfortable,” senior quarterback Jayden Simpo said. “You know, it’s softer on the ground. Falling and stuff like that, hitting the ground, you really can't feel it that much unless you just fall in the wrong way.”

Other athletes spoke about the injuries that come with the turf field, and how weather conditions can change the field completely.

“One thing I don't like about it is the turf burn,” sophomore linebacker Alfred Jiokeng said.  “It's insane. Once you fall, all of your skin is gone. Sometimes when it's wet, you just slip and slide and when you go to tackle somebody, you’re sliding around.”

Despite the new challenges, the new field not only generates excitement for just athletes but also gives the school, as a whole, something to be proud of.

"This new field gives a new sense of Paxon pride to its athletes and students alike," lacrosse player Santiago Rodriguez said. "This was a much-needed upgrade.”