After a hard fought game, it was an emotional and heartbreaking night for the Olympians as they fell in the sectional final to the New Palestine Dragons. The atmosphere was cold as the football players gathered for their last huddle of the season with Coach Bob Gaddis.

“We played hard, but a few plays didn’t go our way,” junior cornerback Zach Springhorn said. “That’s why it ended up the way it did.”

Even though the Olympians were losing by seven points going into the fourth quarter, the momentum of the game shifted with solid defense and a breakout touchdown from senior running back Steven O’Neal.

That moment was effective. The Olympians kept pushing throughout the rest of the quarter. They never gave up and continued to fight until the final seconds of the game.

“It really does hurt to lose, but hopefully they just understand that there is so much about this game that will help them in life,” East Athletic Director Peter Huse said. “They had the opportunity to play against the best team in the state in 5A.”

Despite their loss tonight, the Olympians hold an impressive 11-1 record, defeating every team in the Hoosier Hills Conference, Franklin, and Whiteland. There are already thoughts of preparation for next year as the Olympians plan for another successful season.

“We need to work all season, get in the weight room all off-season, and prepare the same way we always have,” Springhorn said.