by Aaron Jaffe ’21

Sherwood football opened up their 2019 campaign with one of their best games to date. The team headed into Wheaton with high expectations and executed cleanly, winning 35-0. Against a lesser level of competition, the Warriors did more than just their job and gave cause for optimism heading into the home opener on Friday the 13th against Blake.

Sherwood started it off slowly, giving up a large kickoff return right out the gate. That first play ended up being the worst thing happening in the first half, as Sherwood entered the first half up 7-6. Sherwood quickly started the second half with a touchdown but after the game turned into a mess of choppy and sloppy play from all parties involved in the game, the Warriors, Bengals and the referees. There were flags, dropped balls and not a lot of offense. After a relatively even third quarter, the final quarter was set up for Sherwood’s defense to close out Blake. 

The most unlikely way for Sherwood to blow the lead actually happened. With under 5 minutes to go, the Warriors defense was still holding strong. The offense for the Warriors had crucial fourth down pinned within their own 10-yard line. The Bengals proceeded to block the ensuing punt, recovered the ball in the end zone and tightened the score to 14-12. The two-point conversion was successful and the game was sent to overtime. Sherwood opened the scoring in OT with a touchdown and a successful extra point, making it 21-14. Blake got their turn and did the same, scoring a touchdown on the first play of their OT possession. Instead of furthering the game, Blake opted to go for two, effectively ending the game with a failed or completed conversion. Sadly for the Warriors, the lead they held all night was taken, as the conversion was good and Blake won 22-21.

The loss hit hard for Sherwood, but there are no other choices than to re-group and bounce back. “Something has to change, there can’t be anymore messing around during practice. People need to step up and help lead the rest of the team. We need to be more mentally and physically prepared.” said junior quarterback Sean Yamada.

Sherwood stays at home to take on Northwood this Friday.