The varsity football team and droves of fans filled John Courier field on Oct. 3 in search of a win against the Lions, but the Huskies fell 26-41 on Friday night in a hard fought game.

For many players, the hometown rivalry and the quest for victory over the Lions is one of the most important parts of being on the team, a search that has been ongoing for nine years. 

“The Oviedo rivalry is something that I’ve always wanted to be a part of, and I feel like we’ve gotten [more] close than previous years when I watched the games,” linebacker Kyle Galarza said.

Despite the loss, players had standout performances, such as quarterback Royce Jenkins, who threw for 338 yards and three touchdowns, and running back Leandro Gutierrez, who rushed for 98 yards and a touchdown.

Jenkins’ top targets Gregory “Tre” Weatherington and Mikeye McBurse both boasted a touchdown each, with Weatherington having eight catches for 71 yards and McBurse having an impressive 51-yard kick return on top of his seven catches for 101 yards.

 The team’s defense also played a critical role in keeping the game close, senior defensive end Gavin Miller’s three tackles for loss and a receiving touchdown to pair helped the effort. 

“Hagerty as a whole played well offensively in the first half and played well defensively in the second half,” Galarza said. “Now we have to make those two sync together.” 

Throughout the night, the score was close, with the team staying close behind Oviedo on the scoreboard. However, a late interception and touchdown sealed the game away.

 The football team now looks forward to this week ahead for the Oct. 10 matchup against Lake Brantley.

“We are preparing for Lake Brantley by watching film offensively and defensively, and running practice using that film that we studied to eventually be prepared for the week to come and not be surprised.” Galarza said.

The team have thus far posted a 3-3 record on the season, and hope to take another win against the Patriots on Friday in another district matchup.

“For this week we’re going to work on staying conditioned and keeping our heads up,” Galarza said.