WIZARDS AIM TO BOUNCE BACK AFTER BRUTAL LOSS

By TUCKER CERGOL

TUCKER CERGOL FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

On Friday, October 13th, the 3-3 Wizards faced off against a 1-5 Minisink team that has had it tough throughout the season. Losing many tight games, the Minisink Warriors have been on the bad end of the spectrum. However, their spirit was still on full display as they played in their homecoming game against the Wizards.

In a nutshell, this game did not bode well for Washingtonville. At first, the Wizards were stunned with how stellar the Warrior’s defense was. Play after play, Minisink had a formula that outperformed the Wizards offense. It wasn’t just Minisink’s defense that was detrimental.  Time after time the Zards missed wide open receivers and made constant mistakes throughout the entire game.

Even though the Warrior’s offense is not spectacular, with a fantastic defense backing them up, they were able to put up more than enough points to beat the Wizards. The only bright spot in the game was our special teams. With the Wizards stopping their superstar returners and Washingtonville taking a kick return back for a touchdown, Ryan Johnson, wide receiver/cornerback, was able to score for the Wizards. 

Now, it’s time to get down to business. The playoffs have begun, which is a completely different animal. 

Since the Wizards lost to Minisink last Friday night, they finished the season as the 6 seed and will travel to NFA, who finished the season as the 3 seed.  They will face off against the Goldbacks in a game that could result in a huge upset with your the Wizards winning.  NFA has had a better year than the Wizards, and respectively is one of the higher seeds heading into the playoffs.  It is going to take willpower and fight, but Washingtonville can beat this team.

Even though the Wizards lost in the game last Friday night, Ryan Johnson was one of the only players that excelled. Johnson gave some words on what he expects in this upcoming game against the Goldbacks. “I expect this to be a tough, but winnable game.  If we are disruptive in stopping their strong run game on the defensive side of the ball, that will give the offense hope, which should open up plays as long as we are crisp.  If we do this, we will win this game. If not, it’s the end of our season.” 

Ryan is not not wrong, but in recent years, Newburgh has been faster, bigger, and stronger than they are right now.  These factors have been exposed as they have lost to Monroe Woodbury and Cornwall.  If Washingtonville plans well and works hard, they could come out of this game on top.

We saw this first hand last year, as in a game that went back and forth, the Wizards came out victorious. That was due to pure heart and will for the game. Washingtonville is going to have to leave it all out on the field if they want to keep their season alive. 

Junior Quarterback Vinny Martello is going to have to step up in a big way as he must play more efficiently than he did last Friday night. He had a of couple things to say prior to the game.  “It’s going to be a tough game. They are filled with fast athletes and we will have to play a perfect game in order for our season to continue.”  As Martello said,  if the Wizards lose this game, their season is over. 

On Friday, October 20th, the Wizard’s season will be on the line as they travel to NFA to face off against the gritty Goldbacks.  Lose, and their season will come to an end. Win, and move on.  Let’s hope for the latter.