The West High Varsity Football team desperately needed a win. They were playing their final home game of the season and for the seniors, it would be the last of their high school career. Their record of one win and seven losses entering their game against Bay League contender Peninsula had mathematically placed them out of the playoffs. With their backs to the wall, the Warriors delivered a strong performance, emerging victorious with a score of 15-14. Cody Thornton (12) kicked the winning field goal.

    Outside linebacker Christopher Kneepkens (11) though the team played very well because “we had success running the football and everyone did what they were supposed to do. [Additionally] we played with a lot of emotion.” Wide receiver David Rodriguez (12) also agreed with Kneepkens stating, “Our offense got the ball going a little better and our defense stepped it up in the fourth quarter when we needed them to. He added, “[it was the] seniors’ last home game and we had to play for pride.”

   As the Warriors approach the end of what has been a long season, there are still regrets about what happened in practices and games. Kneepkens believed that “[the team] should have practiced a little harder in the pre-season. Despite this, he offered words of encouragement about the chemistry within the team. “I love every single guy on the team as if they were my brothers.” Rodriguez was also very proud of this team because “[They] never quit, [they] play until the clock hits zero.”

   As the team prepares for its final game against Leuzinger on November 12th, Kneepkens and Rodriguez both believe that they must play with intensity, much like they did against fellow competitors Redondo and Peninsula. Even though the Warriors have had a rough season, they look to finish with a happy ending.