For the first time since 2018, the Sages football team has advanced to the state quarterfinals. A convincing 42-14 victory over Williamsville has the team’s excitement through the roof. The Sages play their quarterfinal game vs Benton on home turf.
Photo credit: Brady Ball
“It was an amazing feeling lining up in victory formation knowing that we were moving on to the next round,” explained senior lineman, Trey Leynes. “I was excited, pumped, and ready to play another game,” added Leynes.
With the Sages reaching the farthest point in the seniors’ football careers, they are feeling extra special about the group they’re putting on the field. “What makes this group so special is the camaraderie the team has. We have been playing sports with each other for so many years, it’s second nature,” said Senior tight end, Russ Brown.
After playing multiple sports together over several years, the seniors are looking forward to making a deeper run to finish off their time together. “…this is our last year so we gotta go as far as possible because we aren’t ever getting this back,” added Leynes.
Prior to the matchup with Williamsville, everyone was expecting a close game. However, the Sages proved to everyone who they really are. “It took relentless effort. We knew it was a tall task, but we had great confidence and knew we could pull it out,” said Brown. “A good mindset throughout the game and week helped a lot,” added Leynes.
The sages will look to continue a run even deeper into the playoffs, continuing at home this Saturday, November 16 at 2pm. They have been able to get back at several teams who had their number in the past, so they are hoping to continue that trend moving forward. They will have the opportunity to beat Benton who eliminated them in 2021. Then, they could get a shot at Unity in the semi-final round. With three games to go for a state championship, the boys are feeling good, hoping to rewrite history in Monticello.
Brian Wiltgen, Staff Writer
The Sage Informer 
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