Despite rousing crowd, Hawks suffer disappointing loss

Bradford player grabs Jahad Pommells as IT attempts to move closer to the end zone for a touchdown during the Homecoming game on Oct. 1, 2021. Photo by Elly Herrick

By Katlyn Marotz, Senior Managing Editor & Sports Editor

       Katlyn Marotz

In the midst of pom poms rustling, whistles blowing, and excitement floating throughout the crowd, the Indian Trail Hawks and Bradford Red Devils High School varsity football teams faced head to head in a rough and competitive Southeast Conference game at Jaskwhich stadium on Oct. 1.

As drums echoed and notes of cymbals clashed around the stadium from the IT pep band, the Hawks gave up their Homecoming game to the Red Devils with a loss of 13-34, leaving their SEC record at 2-3 and an overall record of 3-5. Crosstown rival Bradford High School’s record climbed to 3-2 SEC and 3-4 overall.

“I’m disappointed that we couldn’t win a game at home this year but am still

Juan Prieto listens intently to his coach as he gives the players strategy and advice on Oct. 29. Photo by Elly Herrick

proud to share the field with this team,” senior captain and cornerback Connor Koch said. “There’s always pressure to win your Homecoming game, but also when playing your rival, you want to win.”

Bradford sprung quick with a touchdown pass with 10:37 minutes left and at 3:18 minutes left, and a rushing touchdown with only 27 seconds left. The Red Devils grabbed a 0-21 lead just in the first quarter.

In an attempt at recovery, IT junior Justice Lovelace made a 3-yard rushing touchdown during the second quarter, leaving the score at 7-21, which got the crowd on their feet, stomping the metal bleachers and releasing voice-losing cheers.

Koch’s highlight of the game was his interception during the second quarter with 6:55 left on the clock.

Senior football players pick their lined helmets off the field. Photo by Savannah Cooks

“After intercepting the ball I was ecstatic because our offense now had a real chance to score. I’m glad I could make that play in my last home game,” Koch said.

“It was awesome looking up and seeing all of the pink in the stands,” Koch added, noting the fans’ pink attire to go along with the “Pink Out” theme for breast cancer awareness.

Despite the tough game, the Hawks had several opportunities to celebrate throughout the evening including show-stopping performances by the IT Hawkettes as they danced to “Circus” by Britney Spears and the IT Cheerleaders’ performance to “WHATS POPPIN” by Jack Harlow during the halftime break.

Quarterback LJ Dagen runs with the ball, looking for an opened receiver as Bradford attempts to tackle him during the Oct. 1, 2021, Homecoming game. Photo by Elly Herrick

The IT Homecoming court was also announced which garnered anticipation and excitement. Seniors Jonathon Murray and Taylor Wilmot were chosen prince and princess, and seniors Tucker Matrisch and Heaven Williams were crowned king and queen under the bright fluorescent stadium lights.

The Hawks started off the third quarter with a 29-yard rushing touchdown from senior Jamar Thompson, bringing the Hawks to within one touchdown with a score of 13-21 with about 8 minutes left.

Head IT coach Paul Hoffman said Bradford put up a tough match against IT, but still the Hawks put their entire might into the game and battled it out until the end.

“I think we’ve aged well as a team a have been able to get better each week. We’ve had some hard opponents but we don’t let that get to us,” senior captain and center/long snapper Isaak Gotberg said. “I’m most proud of how the team chemistry is and how we’ve been able to bond.”

Gotberg said teammates host team dinners and hangout outside of football as different ways to connect and bond with each other. They also simply go over to each other’s houses to have meals and play pickup games.

The Red Devils made the last two final moves of the game with a rushing touchdown with 2:46 left in the third and a passing touchdown with 5:37 left in the game, snatching the win with a 13-34 score.

“All we worry about is the next game and we don’t look past that. We will continue to plan to put players in the best position to succeed. Practice with great effort and execute at a high rate,” Hoffman said.

At press time, the Hawks were scheduled to go against Racine Horlick and Racine Park for their last two away games. Racine Horlick has a 3-3 SEC record, and Racine Park is at a 1-5 SEC record. The Hawks lost to Racine Horlick on Oct. 8, creating a 2-4 SEC record and eliminating their automatic eligibility for playoffs. If the Hawks win against Racine Park, they have a chance at post-season play only if there aren’t enough eligible teams.