On Saturday, November 9th, the South Windsor Bobcats took on the East Hartford Hornets, and the two football teams clashed in a close battle during the first quarter. Senior Day is a traditional day for the football team, where the 12th-grade players are recognized and given a ceremony for their last football game in their hometown.
-
View of Coach Hodge on the sideline during the Senior Day Game against East Hartford.
'
-
Senior Peyton Wayner on the field during the Bobcats versus East Hartford game.
'
-
The senior Bobcats leading the team onto the field for their last home game of the season.
'
The seniors were lined up in one end zone of the field and were then walked out by their families while being recognized by the game’s announcer. This moment is a significant one in these players’ lives, especially for the seniors who have dedicated years to this program. The field was decorated specifically for the seniors, with each senior player and cheerleader having their poster hung up towards the end of the field on the net behind the goalpost.
Some players have been playing for South Windsor for multiple years, like senior captain Jake Pfledrer, who has been playing football for a decade.
“The experience has been great and getting the chance to grow as a person with the same kids from elementary has been memorable,” Pfledrer explained.
Senior Day is more than just a football game. To the seniors, the game is a symbol of graduation, where all seniors play their last football game on the South Windsor High School turf.
Senior Sam Balducci, who returned after a six-year break to play his senior year, still felt emotional after this game.
“It was sad knowing that I’ll never play a game on that field again,” Balducci told The Prowl.
The Bobcats played a great game on defense, forcing multiple turnovers with safety Dominic MacNeil racking up two interceptions, but sadly the offense could not capitalize off the electric defensive performance. The Bobcats took another loss, 7-28, and the seniors hope to lead the Bobcats to a win on their last two games, facing Simsbury this Friday, November 15th, and Enfield on Friday, November 22nd.
With the season coming to an end, these last two games symbolize more than just wins and losses for many seniors. This will be the last time they will ever put on the helmet and pads, meaning the team and family of the 2024 Bobcats will spend their last moments together.
