The football team fought hard on Saturday, November 17, at their playoff game against Grandview. After a tough battle, the team took a heavy loss against the Wolves. Concluding their incredible season with a 26-22 defeat, the Raptors should not dismiss their wins from the rest of the season.

The game started with lots of excitement; the game was tied 7-7 by the end of the first quarter. Both sides were very evenly matched in the harsh weather, and the cold climate did not keep either team from playing their best.

The Raptors took the lead in the second quarter. Isaiah Emecheta scored a 1 yard rushing touchdown and a successful 2 point conversion, putting the team ahead 16-7. Emecheta shares his overall mentality from the game, “I just poured my heart out. I left everything I had out there on the field.”

Regarding the beginning of the game, Reece Atteberry stated, “ I don’t know how to really describe it. I felt confident; I felt strong. Physically I felt awesome, and mentally I just trusted my brothers.”

With a touchdown from the Wolves, the game was a close 15-13 by the end of the second quarter. Due to the failed 2 point conversion from Grandview, the Raptors continued to hold a two point lead.

The second half started off strong for the Raptors. With a touchdown in the first minute of the third quarter, the Raptors gained a lead of 22-13.

Emecheta describes his efforts in gaining this lead, “ I put everything on the line, and didn’t give up.”

As the half continued, though, the Raptors’ intensity seemed to falter. Macy Cummins, a loyal fan, stated that, “The team didn’t seem to be playing as close as a team with the decisions they made. When the team was more connected, they did better.”

At the start of the fourth quarter, the Wolves scored a touchdown and a successful field goal. Putting the score at a close 22-20, the Raptors continued their lead, but the Wolves were prepared with their intensity. Cummins reiterates her opinion of the Raptors’ lack of intensity, “They stopped working to make it happen, and just began watching everything happen.”

With another touchdown from Grandview, the game finished with a final score of 26-22. The Raptors gave a good fight throughout the game, but couldn’t quite pull off the victory. Both teams played extremely hard, and Atteberry agrees, “It’s a special feeling in such a tight game like that. I don’t think there’s anything else to simulate it.”

Holding the lead for a majority of the game, Atteberry explains his view of why they were not victorious, “We just ran out of time. We made a few mistakes, and we didn’t have enough time to make up for them.”

After such an amazing season, the Raptors ended the playoffs with their heads held high. The other ten victories from this season should not be forgotten. With their impressive stats and their obvious talent, the football team should be celebrated for their well fought season.

Concluding their incredible season, the Raptors can prepare for an even better season next year. It’s the end of a season, but not the end of the Raptors.