A season of trouble and triumph, the boys of fall have had an exceptional season.
This year’s team came together as one and with the support of Spartan fans was able to complete the season with an outstanding record of nine wins and three losses and the title of conference champions a complete turnaround from last season.
“I felt like we were all very close and the comradery on the team was a difference from last year,” said sophomore Peter Muskett, “All the sophomores, juniors and seniors got along helping the team chemistry.”
Not only was the team boosted by their exceptional chemistry but also because of all the hard work players spent in the weight room and at practice. Football held off season workouts almost every day, morphing student athletes into top notch weight lifters and developing team leadership. During the season the team held two and a half hour practices after school every day, practicing plays, running drills, and learning to play against that week’s opponent.
“[Football] meant a lot because it was a way for me to showcase all of the hard work I put in over my four years of playing,” said senior Ryan Bursiek
After winning the conference in the regular season, ending in a three way tie with Lake Braddock and South County, the football team dominated Washington and Lee in the first game of the regional tournament winning 38 to 20. But their victory was short lived when they lost in the second round to conference rivals Lake Braddock. In a game that came down to the final seconds, Two seconds to be exact, the Spartans failed to prevent the Bruins from scoring a last second touchdown.
“The initial feelings were anger, disappointment, and shock. We could not believe we just lost,” said Muskett, “After the game the coaches said that even though it was tough we need to be proud and keep our heads high.”
Adding to the exceptionality of this season were the sophomore quarterbacks. Both Muskett and Jake Herzog competed for the starting spot throughout the season and not only continually motivated each other to do the best they could but also contributed to the team’s passion and insatiable desire to win.
“They helped the team by proving to the older kids that anyone could rise to the occasion and handle the stage,” said head coach Jason Eldredge.