The Warriors were denied their last stand, as Cleveland’s late playoff push came to an end Nov. 6 against Madison. For the majority of the young team, it was taken in stride; they will go on to play another season. However, for the select seniors on the team it was bittersweet, if not heartbreaking.

“I’ve played football for all my life so it’s sad knowing I might never play again,” said senior utility player Eddie Petrie.

What was meant to be a rebuilding year for a young team nearly became one to remember. Beginning the season with a string of six losses, Cleveland looked to be progressing slower than expected. They then found their stride against Roosevelt, winning a close game 16-12. This was followed by another close win by Cleveland, topping lowly Marshall 27-20. Now holding a 2-6 record, they were eligible for a spot in the playoffs should they defeat Madison. Cleveland fell for the last time despite their valiant effort, 35-16, ending all postseason hopes.

“We did our job, but unfortunately in the end it just wasn’t enough,” said senior tackle Alex Ries. “The hardest thing for me was cleaning out my locker for the very last time.”

Despite the disappointing end to a season that had gained so much momentum, players were awarded properly.

Announced at the end of the year banquet dinner in Westmoreland, junior Elijah Hauser and senior Nelson Franks were awarded Offensive and Defensive MVPs, respectively. There were also several all league selections. These included Franks as first team defense, as well as second team offense, and Hauser as second team offense. Junior Eric Minturn got second team offense, junior Ian McBride as second team offense, senior Dakota Watkins as second team defense, junior Tyler Campbell as second team defense, and finally senior Matt Saiget received honorable mention for offense.

This was enough to indicate to the head coach that improvement was made for the young Warrior squad.

“I was aware coming in it would be tough at first with our inexperience, but I was very proud of our guys, who improved consistently, games one through nine,” said coach Gary Sletmoe.