After falling 52-6 to Lakewood High School on Friday, Nov. 6, the varsity football team is turning their focus towards the playoffs. 

“To get a chance at making a run in the playoffs means a lot especially my senior year,” senior offensive lineman Rod Miller said. “Last year we just missed the playoff after ending the season with four straight wins, so this year is a chance to prove ourselves.” 

With Hillsborough County closing down public schools on Thursday and Friday due to Tropical Storm Eta, there was uncertainty over whether the game would be played. However, it was announced Thursday that the game would take place Friday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. 

“This game is a chance for redemption for our team after the regular season,” senior linebacker Brooks Bak said. “We get the opportunity to be able to upset a team with a much better record.”  

After finishing the regular season 2-5, the varsity football team will face Riverview Sarasota High School in this play-in game. Riverview Sarasota finished the regular season with a record of 7-1. 

“I’m most excited to show the haters that record does not matter,” senior wide receiver Ray Desanto said. “We are going to put up a fight regardless who we play.”  

At practice Bak says the team has been working on containing big plays on defense and creating big plays on the offensive side of the ball. However, another factor of that could play into the game would be that fact that a majority of the team has never played in a playoff game.  

“Our team has been working on mentally preparing for a playoff game since most of our team hasn’t experienced a playoff environment before,” Miller said. 

The team has deemed this game a “black-out.” They will be wearing all black uniforms and have been encouraging all students and spectators to wear black if they are attending the game at Dad’s Stadium. 

“I’m excited for the game because it’s at home and I know the crowd will be hype,” senior defensive back Cole Bonbrest said. “And a chance at a playoff run means another opportunity to prove a lot of people wrong and play with my boys one last time.”