Varsity football looked to finish their season strong on Friday night against Lyman. There was a lot on the line, including not only keeping their season alive, but also an outside shot at a trip to the playoffs. Despite a late-game comeback, they could not hold off the Lyman offense. With a 21-14 loss, Hagerty’s season ended with an overall record of 5-5.
The team started off the first quarter by scoring a 31-yard field goal from kicker Gavin Zinnert, getting out to a 3-0 lead. The lead was short-lived as Lyman’s offense answered back with a touchdown, making it 7-3. In the second quarter, Hagerty pulled within one point on Zinnert’s second field goal of the game. After Lyman scored a second touchdown, the score would be 14-6 going into the second half.
“The biggest challenge for us was staying focused after giving up the first touchdown,” inside linebacker Ryan Davis said.
While the offense was unable to score a touchdown in the first half, quarterback Caden Mitchell still had an effective game 13 for 19 in completions with 181 yards. The running game was strong in the second half as running back Porter Williams scored a late 20-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter to tie the game.
The defense was able to hold Lyman scoreless in the third quarter. Unfortunately, in the fourth, they could not contain Lyman as they allowed a 55-yard passing touchdown. This would ultimately be the difference in the game as the final score reached 21-14.
“I think the biggest challenge for the team was just pushing through the mental and physical exhaustion of a long, demanding season. We wanted to finish strong, but I could tell that the fatigue of the season had gotten to some of us,” Williams said.
While the season didn’t finish how they wanted, the team understands what needs to be worked on in order for a more successful outcome next year.
“Next year we need to build chemistry amongst the younger players that are going to replace the seniors from this year,” assistant Coach Quinones said.
The team will look very different next year as this was a very senior-dominant team, with 28 seniors due to graduate in May. For many of the seniors, this program has helped them develop their skills, providing lessons on and off the field.
“This program has meant a lot to me. I owe a lot of my development and success to the coaches who have poured into me and given me the opportunities to perform,” Drake University commit Williams said. “Being a husky will always be a part of who I am.”
