Last Friday pitted the Benet Academy Redwings varsity football squad against the third-ranked team in Illinois, the Marist RedHawks. The RedHawks were 7-1 going into the game, with the Redwings close behind at 6-2. Benet had two unique advantages prior to kickoff: the most noticeable was home field advantage, but the second was the WCIU news crew who hyped up everyone at Benet for the game.

The day of the game, The U did a live broadcast at Benet, where everyone dressed down in pride wear and displayed their school spirit in a televised pep rally before school. The energy built up throughout the day and exploded on the field. The Redwings kept their opponents on edge, slowly working away at their offensive and defensive pressure. The RedHawks scored the first touchdown of the game early on, but Benet answered right away with a touchdown reception by senior Luke Flaska, making the score 7-7.

Marist began to find holes in the defense, though, making their way downfield. Quickly adjusting to the changes in their opponent’s offense, Benet was able to hold the RedHawks to a field goal instead. By halftime the score was 17-7. Right as the third quarter opened, senior Jackson Stephens sacked Marist quarterback Mike Markett. For a short while after, the Redwings showed promise in closing the score gap. Following a Benet fumble, they made up for it with an interception on that same drive by senior Mike Wymer.

The Redwings’ offense played hard, with junior quarterback Colin Gillespie often targeting seniors Jack Cooney and Luke Flaska in the passing game. Seniors Ben Hickey and Mike Wymer formed an effective duo on the ground. As efficient as Benet’s unit was, the Marist defense brought too much pressure. Unable to close the gap, the Redwings lost to the RedHawks with a final score of 24-7.

Although victory appeared improbable from the start, Benet competed hard and came close. With the regular season at its end, the playoffs begin with their first game against Maine West in Des Plaines. If the Redwings play with the same intensity shown in their game against Marist, then they will have a very good chance of reaching success.