The boys varsity football team lost to the Newton North Tigers 42-21 at Parsons Field for their annual Thanksgiving rivalry game. The loss marked the end of their season, with a final record of 1-9.
The first quarter was a defensive battle, with the Warriors incredibly motivated to win for their friends, family and alumni who packed the stands. Sophomore and quarterback Craig Haas said the team initially had high hopes.
“It was a lot of fun this morning. There was an upbeat environment. It seemed like it was going to be a good day,” Haas said.
The Tigers scored the first touchdown of the game off of a pass. The Warriors responded with a touchdown of their own, scored by senior and wide receiver Andrew Bamberg off of a pass from senior and quarterback Josh Karp. The remainder of the first quarter was close: neither team could score, ending in a 7-7 tie.
The Tigers opened the second quarter with a barrage of runs and quarterback scrambles that the Warriors’ defense couldn’t block. The Warriors didn’t respond offensively; instead, they threw a series of incomplete passes and a turnover. The Tigers closed the second quarter with an interception, leaving the score at 29-7.
Despite the deficit, the crowd remained energized going into the break. Both cheer teams gave impressive performances, and the large crowd of alumni in the stands energized the game’s atmosphere.
However, the Tigers’ remained dominant throughout the start of the third quarter on the first punt return, managing to get the football into the red zone. Their streak ended when Bamberg intercepted the ball and scored a touchdown and extra point off the interception, finding new hope for both the Warriors and their fans. But the Tigers responded with more runs for a touchdown, though they failed the two-point conversion. The remainder of the quarter went scoreless, ending 35-14.
The Tigers scored the first touchdown of the fourth quarter off a pass and converted the extra point. The Warriors began their possession with a series of short passes but turned the ball over on a fourth-down attempt. After a series of plays from the Tigers, the Warriors recovered a fumble and raced down the field to the 30-yard line. Haas threw two consecutive long passes to Bamberg, who scored a touchdown off the second pass.
The Warriors attempted an onside kick but couldn’t recover the ball. The Tigers proceeded to run the clock down for the rest of the game, the final score resting 42-21 Tigers.
Player and fan energy continued to run high even after the clock hit zero. Despite scoring all three Warriors touchdowns, Bamberg felt mixed emotions regarding his final high school game.
“It’s bittersweet. I got to reflect on all the good times I had on this team, but it’s over,” Bamberg said.
Head coach Chad Hunte recognized the importance of this final game.
“So you’d like to come out with a win, and this rivalry means so much. It’s always hard losing, but not seeing these kids again is tough,” Hunte said.
Despite the loss, Hunte looks forward to returning with a strong team next season.
“We have six sophomores starting on defense,” Hunte said.“Knowing we have a full offseason with those guys, we’re excited for the future.”
