In the Warriors season closer, the Warriors (5-5) fall to the Cedar Ridge Raiders (10-0) 6-49. Although the Warriors fell short this game, they played their hearts out this season earning them three non district wins and two in district wins.

“The most memorable part of this year would have to be the Rouse Game. Coming back from being down at halftime and winning that game was amazing,” Trevor Smith ‘17 said. “The things I will take away from football would be that no matter what situation you are in, you need to give it everything you have in order to be successful.”

The Warriors defense took a sizeable beating in the first quarter, giving up four touchdowns without the Warriors scoring. At the start of the game, the Warriors won the coin toss and decided to received the ball first. In the first minute of the game, the Warriors fumbled the ball and lost possession of the ball on the Warriors own 16-yard line. Towards the middle of the quarter, quarterback Will Jennings ‘18 faked a handoff to Te’shon McGinnis ‘17 and threw the ball to Colin Iguchi ‘17. The Warriors ended the quarter with 0-28.

“This years season was indescribable,” Smith said. “I think after not winning a single game last year caused some people to lose hope in our team as well as some other teams had written us off as well, but coming in and winning four out of our first five games really showed who we were and that we were to be given the respect that we deserved. Compared to last year where we never could step up to the plate and show teams who we really were. I thank all of my teammates and coaches for being there for each other when we needed them most and how they never fail to make me smile at the end of a game or practice. I will never forget this season and the people I played it with. I love every single one of them more than words can describe. Go wood!”

The Warriors showed noticeable improvement in the second quarter by only allowing two more touchdowns to be scored by the Raiders.

During the half, the Warrior band was at BOA, so the SunDancers performed with pre recorded audio. The SunDancer of the week was Jenna Weatherbie ‘18.

“Being on the football team at Westwood gives you a family you can always count on and relationships you’ll never forget,” Aidan Asal ‘17 said. “The most memorable part for me was our win against Hendrickson because that was a total team win and put away our doubts. This years season went better because everyone on the team truly cared about one another and we had leaders step up. I’d just like to add that while us players did a lot on the field, our parents went above and beyond for us. Hosting team dinners, decorating our locker room, and being there to support us at everything we do are just a few things they did for us. I can’t thank them enough.”

After the half, it began to rain and didn’t stop until after the game had ended. Less than two minutes into the third quarter, Ethan Twining ‘17 got blindsided and got the wind knocked out of him but still continued to play the rest of the game. Shortly after, Iguchi was sacked and hurt, he was only out for a couple of plays before returning back into the game as quarterback. Ending the third quarter with 6-42, the Warriors ran their only touchdown of the night.

In the final quarter of the game, the Warrior defense was able to hold their own, giving up only one touchdown. To begin the fourth quarter, a personal foul was called on the Raiders resulting in a 10-yard deduction for the ball to be moved to the Raiders own 43-yard line. Shortly after, there was a another flag on the play due to holding against the Raiders. The final score of the game was 6-49.

“This team was very easy to train and coach. They came ready to work six days a week for three months,” Coach Anthony Wood said. “Seeing the excitement on their faces after they won a game and the fun they had in the locker room after those victories. As the season came to a close on Friday night I reminded the seniors that the next chapters in their life would be more rewarding.  I hope playing football for Westwood will give them the ability to handle tough situations and make tough decisions and never quitting when it gets hard. This senior class has brought our coaches much joy. They have been a wonderful group to be around and coach. We wish them all the luck in the future.”

The Warriors will not be proceeding to playoffs. The Warriors mens’ basketball team will be facing off against the Lehman Lobos on Tuesday, Nov. 7 in the field house. Go Wood.