Junior Evan Ryder practices a tackle against senior Dylan Hager. Pre-game drills like this help the Wildcats build up crucial skills as they near the end of their season.

Senior Ryan Gardner walks out with his family in one of his last ever games as a Wildcat. “I’ve been with WJ football for a long time so it will be sad to say goodbye,” Gardner said.

Junior quarterback Jake Forburger runs the ball past the Sherwood defense to help kick off the game. Forburger relied on his sprinting ability in the first few drives as he played in his first game back from injury. “It was definitely good to be back, ” Forburger said. “It’s always a little bit uncomfortable to get back right into it but I was just more glad I was able to play, especially on Senior Night.”

Junior Tauren Sirleaf celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown. Although the Wildcats were able to get on the board, it wasn’t enough as the Warriors trampled the Cats 47-19. “We didn’t come out with the right attitude the whole game, ” senior Lloyd Erim said. “Obviously Sherwood is a good team but we believe we’re also a good team.”

Senior Ryan Gardner lines up for a route as the ball is snapped. Gardener was a favorite target for quarterback Jake Forburger throughout the game, scoring a touchdown in the first half. “My success comes from the QB giving me the ball so I just got to get open and do what I got to do,” Gardner said.

The team huddles up before the second half. Because the Wildcats lost their match against Sherwood, they have to stay focused as they face Churchill this Friday. “We need to realize how important this game is for the season, trying to end over 0.500,” junior quarterback Jake Forburger said. “Last year, they beat us on our senior night so I think it’s important to beat them on their senior night and get momentum going into the playoffs.”

Senior Lloyd Erim looks to the crowd, flanked by his parents. “It was definitely an interesting experience, I’ve put a lot into football these past four years. While walking down, I was thinking about all the seniors the last couple years doing that and it’s now my final year,” Erim said. “I was just grateful to be with my family.”

The cheer team holds the shreds of the team banner as quarterback Jake Forburger leads the Wildcats with an American flag to start the game. The poms and cheer teams celebrated their senior nights the same evening.

Senior Manager Hudson Barrett walks out on senior night with his family. Although not able to play due to an injury, Barrett was able to share the Senior Night celebration with his teammates. “It was definitely rough but I was very happy. Coach reached out to me, allowing me to walk out with my parents on senior night and it meant a lot to me, “ Barrett said.