The Steinbrenner Warriors (8-1) defeated the Alonso Ravens (4-5) 51-15 to reach the playoffs for the first time in school history, continuing a historic and record-setting year for the Warriors.
“I don’t even have words for it, these guys have come out and competed every single week. We said years ago that this group was going to be special as freshmen and sophomores, and here they are doing special things,” said Steinbrenner head coach Andres Perez.
Senior wide receiver Justin Moffatt lead the team by scoring five touchdowns, four of which came during the first half, including a 57 yard receiving touchdown thrown by sophomore quarterback Colin Wray.
‘This is all I could ever ask for, we have been preparing for this forever. We’ve had losing seasons the past few years and being a senior, being a leader, and to finally reach our goal of making the playoffs is huge for us,” said Moffat.
The Warrior defense ensured that Alonso’s offense couldn’t get a rhythm going, denying the Ravens on a fourth and inches attempt. The defense forced two fumbles in the second quarter that resulted in touchdowns by Moffatt and senior running back Jayquese Dantley. When Alonso scored early in the 3rd quarter to make the game 44-15, the Warrior defense became a stone wall, making sure the second half didn’t become a problem for Steinbrenner.
Also striking the Warriors was a bit of luck, as Alonso penalties helped keep Warrior drives alive. Most notably a roughing the kicker penalty and simultaneous pass interference and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties that moved the Warrior offense to the Alonso 9 yard line.
Steinbrenner only scored one touchdown in the second half, a 40 yard pass from Wray to Moffatt, but the flurry of offense in the first half was all they needed to win the game.
As the clock read zero, both the team and their fans erupted in cheers, knowing very well what the implications of this game were.
Going into their bye week right before the playoffs will also add to the high spirits of the team. “We are feeling good right about now going into our bye week, let’s get healthy and make sure we feel good for the playoffs,” said Perez.
“We’re still going to get after it everyday after school this week, but getting some bodies rested before the playoffs will definetly be a help,” said Moffatt.
The Warriors last regular season game at Berkeley Prep on November 6 is a non-district game, so Steinbrenner’s record setting 5-1 district record will be intact going into the playoffs.
Andrew Zilbauer // Web Team
