Varsity Football Smashes Their Way to Playoffs
Midwood’s defense, lining up here against Curtis, has been a key factor this season. Photo: Continental Studios
By ABDUL WAHIB & NABEEL AHMED
The varsity football team has yet again earned a spot in the playoffs after finishing the regular season with a 5-4 record and 850 power points, good for 5th place in the division. Their first matchup will be against Canarsie Educational Campus at Canarsie Field November 13.
The team started off the season with a tough 32-0 loss against Curtis High School, gaining only 83 yards, but quickly turned things around, gaining 291 yards in their second game, a 54-0 landslide win against Susan Wagner.
“The team is resilient and has been through a lot of adversity over the years,” said Mr. Anthony Odita, the varsity coach. "They practiced hard after each set back. Each one is a learning experience, and we try to apply it to games and practices. We made sure not to repeat the same mistakes.”
The running game and the defense has led the way back. In five victories against Susan Wagner, John F. Kennedy Campus, Lehman Campus, Abraham Lincoln High School, and South Shore HS in September and October, the team allowed only 12 points total.
These aspiring athletes sprang back from quarantine more motivated than ever, practicing for 3-4 hours a day while balancing a full academic schedule. Working hard after school not only contributes to team success but also creates meaningful memories for the athletes.
Tony Davis, a senior and special teams captain, said, “Overall, high school football has been a fun experience. I got to meet new people, build bonds with my teammates and coaches, and establish connections. I’ve also learned life lessons and matured as a person as a result of playing football.”
Players also learn versatility. Jacob Patrella plays the position of starting wide receiver as well as punt and kick returner. This gives him “opportunities to make plays for [his] team and put points on the board,” he said.
Davis said, “My goal as a player on the team is to do everything I can to help my team win a championship. As one of the captains, I help make decisions and represent my team. I am also a starter on defense, special teams, and sometimes offense.”
These seniors are playing the last games of their high school career, which can be a bittersweet experience. Azmir Mondesir, a senior, said, “I’m most excited for senior night and being able to celebrate our years of contributing to the football team and knowing it might be my last ever time touching the field as a high schooler.”
These graduating seniors have a responsibility before they finally venture off, they said. Patrella explained how teammates build a bond off the field as if they are brothers.
“Having great teamwork helps my teammates depend on me and trust me more,” he said. “They know they can always rely on me. Me being a senior, some of the younger guys look up to me. So I have to set that example for them.”
Having seniors be strong motivators for the team’s upper and lower classmen is a priority, especially since the pandemic minimized face-to-face interactions. To make up for lost time in team bonding, the seniors are determined to lead their teammates to a successful season.
“It would make my senior year if we end with a winning record,” Davis said in October. “I’m willing to work as hard as I need to in order to achieve that.” The team cemented that goal with a win over Erasmus November 6.
Still, the seniors are determined to lead their team to a deep playoff run.
“We have to execute on and off the field,” said Patrella. “Go 100% in practice and we will be able to achieve our goal. I feel like this year we have a great chance at winning if we work hard and do what we have to do on and off the field.”