On Friday’s Eagles showdown, the Oak Park Eagles emerged victorious against the Brentwood Eagles, with a nail-biting score of 22-21. With only a few seconds on the clock, our very own Eagles successfully landed a touchdown followed by a two-point conversion to end the night.
“The moment I saw Ethan catch the touchdown I knew Webb was going for two, and when we go for two, we get it.” senior Austin Ritz said. “Great catches from Ethan and a phenomenal throw from Holden. Couldn’t have wished for a better ending.”
Although there were tough moments throughout the game, the team stayed resilient.
“I was pressured and disappointed [when Brentwood was leading with only two minutes left in the game], but I didn’t give up because I knew what kind of players we had and it was great to see an end result,” head coach Casey Webb said.
This game was more than just a football game, it was dedicated to Jennifer Aaronson and Luc Bodden honoring the strength and bravery they exemplified in our community.
“It was a special night, just the outcome that we had was truly special, all thanks to the team but one of the guys that was with me tonight was our brother Luc, who I unfortunately lost in fifth grade,” senior Holden Heidt said. “His soul was just inside of me today and that itself helped me get the last touchdown. I appreciate the team, this is my brother, this is my family.”
It was also the third annual alumni night, where past and present players unite and honor the legacy of our school and those who had left too soon.
“A lot of people from all over the years came, and so we played our hearts out for the people who were with us and the ones who are no longer,” senior Jaden Mosley said. “I think this win meant a lot to our team and I am just glad we were all able to pull it off. And I am just thankful for my team because without them we wouldn’t be where we are right now.”
The final second win left the team’s morale high, and hopeful for the remainder of the season. The Eagles are determined as this night demonstrated the bonds of brotherhood, unity and the enduring power of sports to inspire to uplift.
