Historic Season Comes to an end as Eagles Defeat Paladins
“There are more important things in life than winning or losing a game.” - Lionel Messi
The Paladins’ historic season came to an end on Friday night, as they suffered a 43-15 defeat at the hands of the Stratford Eagles. At the end of the day, it came down to depth. Stratford had an extensively talented team, and every offensive player presented an equally dangerous threat to the Paladin defense. This was a team that put up over 40 points in seven different games throughout the season, and the speed and athleticism of the Eagles was just too much for the Paladins to handle in this one.
On the offensive side of the ball, Mitchell Ojeda and Greg Varghese scored Pinecrest, as the Paladins were all but shut down by the Stratford defense. Including two on downs, PA had four turnovers, two of which Stratford scored on. It was an unfortunate end to the Paladins’ legendary season, but Todd Winter rightfully says the team “should hold their heads high.”
1st Quarter
The Paladins got the ball to start the game, and they started at their own 15-yard line. After a few plays, they went for it on a rather long fourth down and they didn’t get it, giving the Eagles the ball.
The Eagles took over at the PA 37 and quickly scored a touchdown with 7:17 left in the quarter. 7-0, Stratford.
The Paladins started their next drive at their own 45 after a solid kickoff return. Unfortunately, they fumbled the ball and the Eagles recovered.
This time, though, the PA defense stood tall and Corey Downes deflected a pass to force a turnover on downs.
PA started at their own 28 with 3:11 left in the quarter. Yet again, the Paladins fumbled and ball and did not recover.
The Eagles took over at their own 43 and started their drive as the quarter ran out.
2nd Quarter
The Eagles ended up punting the ball and the Paladins started their next drive at their own 20. McCarthy connected with Patota for a big passing play, which set up a rushing touchdown by Mitchell Ojeda. 7-7.
The Eagles started at their own 23, and their running back burst through the line for a long rushing touchdown, giving the Eagles a 14-7 lead with 4:00 left in the half.
After a PA punt on their next possession, Stratford scored another touchdown with just 20 seconds left in the half. The Eagles had a successful two-point conversion after this, giving them a 22-7 lead heading into halftime.
3rd Quarter
The Eagles got the ball to start the second half. After nearly a five minute drive, they eventually scored a touchdown to make it 29-7 with 7:49 left in the quarter.
The Paladins started at their own 25, but they were forced to punt again after a few short plays.
The Eagles started their next drive at the PA 30-yard line. In what ended up being one of the only bright spots for the PA defense, they forced and recovered a fumble. The Paladins took over at their own 20, but they ended up punting the ball away with 1:30 left in the quarter.
4th Quarter
The Eagles started at their own 35 and scored another touchdown to make it 36-7, Stratford.
After a PA turnover on downs, Stratford scored again with 7:53 left in the game. 43-7, Stratford.
PA started at their own 19. This time, they engineered a successful 81-yard, at the end of which Greg Varghese ran it into the endzone. PA went for two and successfully converted, but it was too little too late. The score was now 43-15 with 2:18 left in the game.
The Eagles got the ball on their next drive and ran out the clock.
Final: 43-15, Stratford.
The Pinecrest Paladins have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. This group accomplished things that a Pinecrest team had never even dreamed of doing, and they undoubtedly set a new standard for this school and this region. The seniors, who now pass on the leading reigns to the juniors, should not limit their memory of this season to the last game, but rather to the historic run that led up to it and the spectacular achievements along the way. From Carson’s game-saving punt return to Pisgah’s dramatic missed field goal, this season was truly memorable. Still, as Todd Winter always alludes to in his speeches, there is more to life than football.
Go Paladins! #WeAre
To everyone who read my articles throughout the season, thank you.
