On Oct. 31, the football team ended its season after falling to Montgomery in the first round of the state tournament. The team had a 4-6 record this year, experiencing both high and low moments, such as beating Plainfield in week zero and winning a trophy, and beating Ridge. However, numerous injuries held them back, leading to an early exit in the first round of states with a thin roster.
The Blue Devils started their season strong, leaving Plainfield High School with the Dr. Derrick Nelson Service and Sacrifice Showcase trophy after a close 21-14 victory. This is a matchup typically played on Thanksgiving Day, a tradition that began in 1944.
Senior captain Jake Zemsky said, “Starting the season off with a great win over Plainfield set the tone for us. We suffered some tough losses in the following weeks, but we were able to use that game as a reminder of what we were capable of, which helped us move forward. Playing in honor of Dr. Nelson makes the matchup even more special, being a highly respected tradition in both towns.”
Following the team’s week zero victory, they took a tough shutout loss to Phillipsburg, winning only one of their next five games. Head coach Matthew Andzel said, “We had the third hardest schedule in the Big Central Conference, which is close to 70 teams. Dealing with both a tough schedule and injuries throughout the year was a big hurdle that we dealt with.”
The team had 14 seniors who all played a crucial role in the team’s success and helped to further develop the roles of the underclassmen. Senior quarterback Cole Weidler said, “The goal as a senior is to make the program better than how it was when you started. Something we emphasized was building relationships with the younger guys, so moving forward, the team will remain close and work towards the same goal. Setting the tone for the underclassmen and leaving a lasting impact on the program was crucial for me as a senior.”
Coach Andzel said that off the field, the team bonded over meals and created lifelong friendships. Zemsky added, “We all are such good friends, so off the field we were always having fun. We knew we needed to maintain focus in practice, especially before big games.
One struggle coach Andzel reflected on was the increasing number of injuries as the season continued. Each year, this historically dominant program looks to better itself on and off the field. The WHS athletic training staff is an asset that the football team will utilize to its advantage.
In preparation for next season, Coach Andzel said, “We have a good core group of players coming back next year, so I feel really good about next year’s team. Preparing ahead for injuries, I am going to use our training staff more to try to prevent injuries. More lifting and treatment should lead to fewer injuries.”
Despite an early playoff exit, the team’s resilience and camaraderie defined the season and helped to lay a strong foundation for a better season next year. Looking ahead to the future, coach Andzel said junior Jordan Walsh and sophomore Matt Seward will be critical for the team’s success next season.
