Warriors fall short to Dunlap

By Bryce Milburn

Sports Editor

On Saturday, Nov. 8, the Warriors lost to the Dunlap Eagles in their second playoff game 28-21. The team, despite the loss, has strong chemistry and similar feelings towards the game.

Photo by Bella Velasco.

Three-star running back Jeremiah Stonewall said the team's energy was strong since they were all competitive. After they beat Quincy 73-34, Stonewall said their energy was higher, and the team was more motivated. Trevon Williams says the win over Quincy the week before had an effect going into this matchup.

"The energy is higher and more motivated,” Williams said.

After the loss, they all had something positive to take away from the game after only losing by one score.

"We played together and had good team chemistry.” Stonewall adds to it with,” Dominic Jackson added. "We all had good energy and good team spirit.”

The tough loss had the team still focusing on the positive things as well as the negative. 

The team, during and after the game, was going through a lot of emotions and different feelings. 

“After the game, people were heartbroken, and losses came with lessons. Now we're focused on the next chapter.” Williams said.

The game was intense and a one-score game.

"During the game, we were putting up a fight. But after the game, there were a lot of emotions, and we are still processing the loss,” Stonewall said.

The players discussed how they were feeling personally and how they were digesting the loss.

"I was really just trying to focus on getting to the next round and focusing on my next year here,” Williams said. "I was mad personally after the loss, I am an emotional player,” Stonewall added. “I'm over it now, but after the loss, I was more mad than sad,” Jackson said.  

The players in the locker room after the loss had a lot of emotions, but coach Konecki had the team take a knee and gather around.

“We took a knee outside, and he was proud of us and that we are a talented team," Jackson said. Williams said that the coach told the team, “This loss was a lesson, and we should take it to the next level.”  

Stonewall said that Coach Konecki leveled with the team, “He thanked the seniors, and told the team that he was just processing the loss like the rest of us.” 

Overall, the Warrior football team finished 8-3, going undefeated in the Southland Athletic Conference. Their final ranking in MaxPreps is 105 in Illinois. The warrior team had powerful team chemistry and confidence. They stuck together and fought hard until the end. The team is focused on next season and looking towards the future.