The Warriors Prepare for their Biggest Game

by Jackson Hongtong ’21

The Sherwood Warriors will face the Paint Branch Panthers in the first round of the playoffs on November 9 at 7 p.m. The Warriors entered the playoffs by finishing the end of the season strong with two straight wins against Springbrook and Whitman. Their 7-3 regular season record, coupled with Richard Montgomery beating Blair, allowed them to slide into the 14th seed in the 4A playoff bracket, while Paint Branch secured the third seed.

“The mindset headed into the game is all hands-on. We are going to put the best players out there, no matter where, and try to win this football game,” said Coach Tom Crowell.

Crowell also added that the team has gained confidence over the past few weeks following the last encounter between the Warriors and the Panthers on October 19 when Paint Branch won, 35-7. The Warriors moved the ball on the ground well, but couldn’t find rhythm through the air. The game plan throughout the week has been to bring the fight to the Panthers.

“These coaches know what they are doing for a long time so I have confidence that they will put us in the right spot to come out on top this week. We just need to do the little things right and we can beat Paint Branch,” said senior Mitchell West.

The winner of this game will move on to play the winner of Howard and Mergenthaler Vo-Tech on November 16.