The OH football team completed their season with a breathtaking 9-0 winning streak, bringing chills to the Ken Pickerill Stadium, and taking on “rivals” Oswego East for the last game, winning 23-7 as the Panthers took home the Crosstown trophy for the second year in a row.
“The Oswego football team winning the conference season really meant a lot to me and it was nice to bring the win back,” said varsity quarterback and senior Carson Cooney.
As the boys took in the victory, their next step was the following Friday night at home, Nov. 1. Eager for that winning streak the team was ready to see what awaited them that game day.
“Preparing very similarly as to every other week, we watched film and practiced for what we think we will see, then put together a game plan,” said Assistant Football Coach and Weight Lifting Coach John Hugunin.
The team was putting in their all and was ready for the fight that Friday night. While playing Waubonsie Valley, during the first quarter with a few minutes to spare on his first catch, Michael Kelly, varsity wide receiver, was injured.
“I knew my season was over and I wanted to make it to state,” said Kelly. Walking off the field that game, Kelly walked on crutches, signing him out of Oswego football.
As the game continued past halftime and into the 4th quarter upholding the win 21-7, Carson Cooney was then injured as well.
“As soon as it happened I knew my season was over, that was all I was thinking about at that point the pain didn’t matter,“ said Cooney.
With two of our OH varsity starters signing out on our first playoff game during their Senior year, the team knew they must make some changes for the next game.
“I wish I could have been there to help out the wide receiver that was taking my spot and be there for the team,” said Kelly.
The team stepped up during practice, watching film, running plays, and preparing for the game. With every game from this point forward no game was promised, the younger players knew they had to support and step up for our seniors.
“Having two future college players out is not an easy task to overcome… Teddy Mankis really showing up in our game against York was cool to see,” said Hugunin.
Taking on a tough last game for the varsity football team, the Panthers lost the second round in the Class 8A Playoffs game concluding the varsity season with a 10-1 record.
As this large group of seniors have worked hard from the beginning of their carries fron freshman year taking that 9-0 streak, now to the ending their senior year 9-0. Senior players worked hard on their last performance that Friday night.
I am Nicole Gartner a senior now at OH, this is my second year on our 42Fifty team. This year I have taken a role in managing our social media and keeping our content updated! Outside of school I work at Floods Royal Flush as a receptionist and also love to explore nature and the city with my friends.
