On Friday, October 21st, the Benet Academy Redwings took on the Nazareth Academy Roadrunners with a playoff spot on the line. For one, it was the last game of the regular season, making both programs want to finish strong against their rival’s ahead of the upcoming IHSA State Playoffs. Both the Redwings and the Roadrunners were 4-4 coming into this game, making it a pretty even matchup. The biggest part of this game, though, was that it was a big factor in who would make the State Playoffs. Whichever team won would receive a guaranteed spot in the playoffs, while the other needed a few things to go their way from other teams just for a chance to get in.

    For seniors on both teams, this would be their last regular season game of their high school careers, and it was especially special for the Redwings because this was their Senior Night. Both teams wanted to win this game against their rival to keep their seniors’ careers alive for at least one more game.

    What started as a slow game picked up very quickly, as the Roadrunners capitalized off of slow, unsuccessful offensive drives from the Redwings. Nazareth went up 28-0 by halftime, and stretched their lead to 37-0 before Benet scored for the first time in the fourth quarter. The final score was 37-7 Nazareth, clinching them a spot in the IHSA State Playoffs.

    While Benet lost the game Friday, there was still some hope of making state. With certain teams needing to win or lose on Saturday for Benet to get into the playoffs, Benet football players awaited anxiously to see the result. Unfortunately, not every team did their part for the Redwings to move on, so they were officially eliminated from playoff contention.

    While the season came to an end a little shorter than the Redwings might have hoped, they all know that they left it all out on the field and gave their all for each other. Next season, the Redwings hope to improve their strength and skills to contend for the 2023 IHSA State Playoffs. While the ending to this season might have been disappointing for the team, it will surely motivate them to prepare for next season.