My thoughts on football this weekend

By: Milling Galloway

What a great weekend to sit on our butts and watch some football.

There were a ton of great games and great moments in college and the NFL. I will just go ahead and name some of my top players. Justin Fields is the best quarterback in the NFL right now. He was electric and somehow lost. Plays that in the past he would never have made, he did. I will also have to say Aaron Rodgers is still that guy.  My next great take is that Josh Allen is seriously going to win the MVP again. He played the best fourth quarter of all time.

On the college level, Clemson and South Carolina both looked terrible. While teams like FSU and USF are balling out right now. Byrum Brown is a man among little boys, the way he is killing it right now.

The main takeaway we could talk about is that the Cowboys’ letting Micah Parsons leave was a horrible idea. He is the best defensive player in the league. Dak was also pretty good, making great plays. The Eagles are very good, so the Cowboys ’ loss wasn’t terrible.

Taking things back to college, let’s look at Bryce Underwood. He only had around 140 passing yards and didn’t play great. He is only a true freeshmen, so I wouldn’t freak out. His arm talent is amazing. Justice Haynes is the best player on that team. If they can’t find a pass game,  it’s gonna be a long year for the Wolverines. John Mateer and that Oklahoma offense looks strong. He has been really solid and made great throws. Although I don’t think they have really faced a challenge yet. Michigan is not amazing. Football in general looked great this weekend. I am excited to see what happens going forward. The Clemson and Georgia Tech game is going to be a great one. This upcoming weekend. Also, Carolina and Vandy will be rocking. Some exciting things are coming this next week.

Why Cereal Should Be Poured Before Milk

By: Madison Grace Hansen

When pouring a bowl of cereal, most individuals instinctively pour the cereal first— which is correct. Pouring the cereal into the bowl first is most efficient because it provides better portion control, improved texture, and a more enjoyable eating experience. Although some people choose to pour the milk first, that will never be correct because it is neither a logical nor a traditional approach. 

To begin, putting the cereal in the bowl first allows for portion control. You can clearly see how much cereal you are spilling into the bowl which is beneficial in order to not overeat. Most individuals try to have a well balanced breakfast and as we know cereal is not the most healthy option therefore being aware of how much you are eating will allow you to not overserve yourself. Although a hearty breakfast usually consists of bacon, eggs, or sausage, if you have portion control, cereal will not be as bad for you as some may think. 

Also, the texture is another key factor to think about when pouring cereal before milk. Cereal is meant to have a light crunch, and pouring milk on top allows you to control how much of it gets soaked. If you pour the milk before the cereal, the cereal may absorb more of the liquid, therefore leaving it not crunchy but instead soggy. Nobody likes soggy cereal. That is why the cereal should be poured before the milk.

Finally, pouring the cereal before the milk allows for a better eating experience. It is better to have some pieces of cereal still crunchy while some have settled to the bottom. It is much more enjoyable to have a little crunch with also a little soggy. If I am being completely honest, the taste of the cereal is different when the milk is poured second. The taste is better and that is why cereal should be poured before the milk. 

What are the Top 5 Foods of All Time

By: Henry Jones

There are many opinions on the top 5 lists out there. People think that they can’t be factual, but I disagree. The great thing about my top 5 lists is that they are always right and no one can debate me on any topic. Anyways my top five food rankings go like this : any type of pasta at the one, steak at the two, a breakfast meal at the three, grilled cheese burritos from Taco Bell at the four, and grilled nuggets from Chick Fil A rounding it out at the five.

If you know me then you know I love Italian foods. My favorite kind of pasta is preferably chicken alfredo, but I will still devour any pasta style foods. I mean, it is just so hard to mess up even when my younger brother makes it for dinner every now and then. Next, steak is a gimme pick. Who doesn’t love a good steak? Medium rare or even medium are the only ways to go, but I will save that blog for when I really am desperate for a 100 in the grade book. Next, is a solid breakfast meal. There is a reason they claim breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If it is done right it’ll set the mood for the rest of the time you’re awake. Next, is a grilled cheese burrito from the one and only Taco Bell. It’s a bit of a niche pull for those who know, however don’t knock it ‘till you try it. I used to be a big T-Bell hater until I figured out about this hidden gem. Safe to say it destroys my bank account any time I’m hungry. Last but not least is grilled nuggets. I recently got put onto these and let me say that I’m very glad. My pre game football meal used to be Chipotle, but I’ve made the transition. The macros these give you in such a small amount is criminally unrecognized and needs more attention.

Bowling Team Needs More Recognition

By: Hannah-Grace Hagood

Is it just me, or does the bowling team not get enough credit? The Wilson Hall Girl’s Bowling Team won the state championship in 2023 and people continue to think bowling is not a sport but chess is. Like what? Not only does bowling require actual physical work, but it helps with your hand-to-eye coordination by throwing the bowling ball on your mark because if you do not look at your mark, you will miss it. Sure chess requires mental work, but it certainly is not a sport. According to Oxford Languages, the definition of a sport is “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment,” emphasis  on the “physical.” We win championships and hardly even get recognized. We buy multiple bowling balls, take care of our bowling balls, practice (sometimes all summer), have tournaments, and what do we get? A single announcement on the morning announcements, if we’re lucky. Not to mention the fact that most people only join the bowling team to get a PE credit or have some sort of athletics on their college application like bowling is just an easy credit. People say bowling takes no skill or effort, you’re just rolling a ball down a lane, how hard could it be; and to that I say “Ok, go bowl a 300 game if it’s so easy,”  “Stop trash talking bowling and go bowl a perfect game if it takes no brain power.” What I find hilarious is when people say bowling is easy and then they actually try it and throw it in the gutter half of the time. In my opinion, and most of the other team member’s opinions, bowling should get more recognition, and should be treated like the actual sport it is.

Is BPC-157 the New Best Supplement for Athletes?

By: Ford Wilder

To begin, BPC-157 is a synthetic peptide, which is a sequence of amino acids that mimics a naturally occurring protein found in the human body. This supplement is relatively new and is still in the early stages of development and research. Since this supplement hit the market, it has become extremely popular and has found its way into many shops and online stores, accompanied by extensive advertising and surrounding the product. I decided to buy it and start taking it a few weeks ago. This is because there are numerous benefits associated with this supplement, not only for athletes but for everyone. I am here to tell you my experience with this supplement so far and some of the benefits it has.

Additionally, BPC-157 is believed to accelerate the healing of various tissues, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. It’s particularly praised for its ability to support soft tissue repair, making it popular among athletes recovering from injuries or surgery.

After the first two weeks of taking BPC, I noticed the tendonitis in my elbow from throwing fully went away. It was an ongoing issue I tried to rehab over time, but it never fully healed. Once I started taking BPC, my tendonitis gradually got better and better. Also, the pain in the patella tendon of my left knee has gotten so much better. I have dealt with this pain from lots of jumping and sprinting across my three sports. By pairing this supplement with weight training and rehab, I have noticed great improvement in strength and stability.

Another great benefit of this supplement is its ability to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is a major factor in delayed recovery and prolonged pain after injury or heavy exercise. BPC-157 can help to alleviate pain and swelling, allowing individuals to return to their activities more quickly and comfortably. I have noticed since beginning this supplement that my body has been able to recover much quicker from long and strenuous practices and workouts. I can go pretty much one hundred percent day after day, which has been great for me. 

Ultimately, I believe that all athletes should begin to take this supplement. BPC-157 could be the missing piece that many injured and recovering athletes need. There are no side effects of this supplement, so even if it does not work for you, you are not losing anything by at least trying BPC-157 out. BPC-157 is only going to continue to gain traction and change many people’s health for the better.

Charlie Kirk

By: Burns Bateman

Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was tragically shot and killed on September 10, 2025, during a campus event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The event, part of his “American Comeback Tour,” was held under a tent with signs that read “Prove Me Wrong,” designed to spark political debate among students. According to eyewitnesses, the shooting happened suddenly, with Kirk collapsing as panic spread through the crowd. Emergency personnel responded quickly, but he later died from his injuries. A person of interest was initially taken into custody but was later released after investigators found no connection. Authorities now believe the shooter may have fired from a nearby building, and the case remains under active investigation. Kirk’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief from both supporters and critics, with statements coming from across the political spectrum, including a tribute from former President Donald Trump. The incident has reignited national conversations about political violence, public safety, and the risks faced by controversial figures engaging in live events.

Prior to the shooting, Kirk’s presence on campus had already stirred tension. Students organized protests and circulated petitions objecting to his views, but the university defended his right to speak, citing the importance of free expression in academic settings. Now, the focus has shifted to how such a tragedy could have occurred and what it says about the current state of political discourse in the country. Many are calling for a reevaluation of security protocols at campus events and urging leaders to take a stronger stance against all forms of political violence. The motive behind the shooting is still unknown, but its impact is undeniable. Charlie Kirk’s death is not only a personal loss for those close to him but also a troubling sign of deepening division in American society. As the investigation continues, the country is left to reflect on the consequences of rising polarization and the urgent need to protect both free speech and public safety.

Why Phones Should Be Allowed in School

By: Benson Elmore

Phones are often not allowed in schools because many people think they distract students. While phones can sometimes be distracting, I believe they should be allowed in school because they can actually help students in many ways. As a 17-year-old student, I know phones are a big part of our lives and can be useful if we use them the right way.

One important reason phones should be allowed is because they help with learning. When students don’t understand something in class, they can use their phones to look it up quickly. There are many websites and videos that explain things better than textbooks sometimes. For example, if someone doesn’t get a math problem, they can watch a short video to help them understand. Phones also have tools like dictionaries, translators, and calculators that help students learn faster and easier.

Phones also help students stay organized. School means keeping track of a lot of homework, tests, and projects. Using the calendar or reminder apps on a phone makes it easier to remember when things are due. Instead of writing everything on paper planners that can get lost, phones keep all the important dates in one place and remind students. This helps students not forget their work or be unprepared for tests.

Another big reason phones should be allowed is safety. Having a phone means students can call their parents or get help if something bad happens. Whether they need a ride home or there is an emergency, phones help students stay connected and safe. This is very important because being able to talk to someone quickly can make a big difference.

I know phones can be distracting if students use them to text or play games during class. But instead of banning phones, schools should teach students how to use them responsibly. Knowing when and how to use phones the right way is an important skill that will help us in college and later in life.

In conclusion, phones should be allowed in school because they help with learning, staying organized, and safety. With clear rules and help from teachers, phones can be useful tools instead of distractions. Schools need to accept that phones are part of our world and learn how to use them in a way that helps students.

MK-677 Review

By: Andrew Howle

Mk-677 is a growth hormone fitness supplement that has gained recent traction in the fitness world. It has become so famous due to the boost in body growth hormone without the need for an injection. It stimulates your body to naturally produce more GH (growth hormone) and IGF-1. The liquid version is typically taken orally or under the tongue, making it an accessible option for fitness influencers everywhere, ideal for promoting muscle growth. However, is this supplement as good as it is rumored to be?

Those who take Mk-677 claim to have incredible physical benefits. These benefits include lean muscle mass, faster recovery time, and better sleep quality overall. These elements are all crucial to effective training results. Mk-677 has been shown to improve bone density, joint repair, and skin health to the human body. The supplement increases an athlete’s appetite majorly, which can be very helpful in bulking. This shortens the amount of time to retain weight by a large margin. However, this is a double ended sword being harmful for cutting.

Although the MK-677 has many benefits, it is not without drawbacks. Many people have reported severe water retention, fat gain, and intense hunger at higher doses of the supplements. It can become very expensive through long-term use. It is not recommended to people struggling with diabetes. It is reported to mess highly with insulin sensitivity. It is not FDA-approved as well, which can carry some unknowns along with it. These unknowns could range from simple muscle twitches to heart palpitations.

Mk-677 surely does open up a compelling alternative from injectable growth hormones. However, this supplement is not without risks, to be completely honest. I would highly recommend researching this supplement if you have any thoughts of taking it. This goes to show I would not recommend this until more research is performed on it.

Beach or Mountains

By: Adelaide Eaddy

When thinking of where to go for your next vacation, the question may come up of where to go. The common places people may choose from is the beach or mountains. When planning a trip, I would think about the months I would be going, and I would also think about what I would  be doing while being on the trip. The season would be the last thing I would rank it with while planning a trip.

When planning a vacation the first thing to think about is the time of year and what you will be doing. For the time of year, if it is in between the months of March and August I would pick the beach. If it was between the months of September and December I would pick the mountains., but if I was given the opportunity to go to a tropical beach during this time frame, I would pick the beach over the mountains. So thinking about what I want to do during these months, most of the time I would pick the beach over the mountains.

The next thing I would consider is what I would be wanting to do while there. If I wanted to have a cozy, chill vacation, I would pick the mountains, but if I wanted to relax and enjoy the sunshine, I would pick the beach. In this case I would pick the beach because I would rather sit on the beach and do nothing over sitting in the house doing nothing. So in this case, I would again pick the beach.

The last thing that I would put into consideration is what season I would be going. Spring and summer are probably the best times to go to the beach because it is getting warmer in the spring and it is definitely warm in the summer, so it would be the perfect way to relax. In the fall I would probably pick mountains because when you think of fall you don’t think of the beach you think of it getting cooler outside and the leaves changing. And lastly, for winter I would be in between the beach and mountains for where I would pick, because it would depend on where we were going. If I was given the option between going to a beach where it is cold or the mountains, I would pick the mountains, but if I was given the option between a warm beach in the winter or the mountains, I would pick the beach. 

In conclusion, I would pick the beach over the mountains any day. The only day I would pick the mountains is if the beach is cold.

Labor Day Weekend

By: Thomas Jones

My Labor Day consisted of eleven plus hours on the roads, traveling through 4 states South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and finally Virginia. We first arrived in North Carolina and stayed at a Marriott hotel in the small town of Boone, NC. While in Boone, we walked down town, but the culture there has shifted since my childhood days of visiting. It is sad to see such a nice town be overrun with drug addicts and homeless people, it is a huge problem that no one else there seemed to notice. During my childhood visits there I remember a nice community of older locals and young tourists which brought a good balance to the town. Our next stop in the Appalachians was Bristol, Virginia, where my Cousins live Katherin twelve and Willam six. Their we watched the Carolina game and hung out with them. We were excited to see them as we do not get many opportunities to. Bristol is a nice little town which starred in the iconic GEICO commercial “Geico Journey”, where the Geico Lizard jumps between state lines of Bristol, Tennessee and Virginia. That night we arrived and went to eat at a very good Mexican restaurant called Mas Tequila right off State Street, the main street of downtown Bristol. That concludes our night in Virginia. The next morning we quickly got up and went to eat at a breakfast place called The Girl and The Raven, which was very good. There I ate a biscuit with eggs, sausage, and grits. It is one of their most popular dishes and I see why. The only downside of The Girl and The Raven was that they had a few dead fish floating in the fish tanks, which was kind of disgusting to see while you’re trying to eat. After that we drove home all five hours and that concludes our labor day with the homeless drug addicts of Boone to the fun times we had in Bristol.