In Season Opener, Warriors Make Thrilling Comeback

DEERFIELD — It was a brisk Friday night for the Deerfield Warriors season opener against the Lakes Eagles. If the first half was any indicator, it looked like the Warriors were in for a long season. After a 17-0 first quarter, the resilient Warriors chipped away.

The Eagles scored a Touchdown on the opening kickoff, they scored again on their first offensive play in the first quarter. "Self-inflicted wounds," said Head Coach Steve Winiecki, "I told our team at the half, we are going to win this game in the fourth quarter. We are going to win this game in the fourth quarter because of our culture."

And the culture is exactly what kept the team together. Despite the disappointing beginning, the Warriors chipped away, at the end of the third quarter the score was 24-12. Heading into the fourth quarter, a spark seemed to light for the Warriors.

Senior quarterback Ryan Nagelbach threw a 33 yard pass to Adam Pottinger for a first down, to move the ball into Eagles territory. After a 25 yard keeper by Nagelbach, he connected with star sophomore receiver Luke Jones for an 18 yard Touchdown. After Luke Woodson's extra point kick, the Warriors made it a 24-19 ballgame with 5:41 left.

With time winding down, Lakes had the opportunity to add on to their lead. On third down, seniors Zach Fishman and Collin Ward came up with a huge stop, forcing Lakes to kick. After a short kick, the Warriors had great field position on their own 28.

With great field position, the pressure was on the Warriors. But again, it was their culture that brought the team together. "We went down early, but everyone knew we would not quit. That is not who we are," said Quarterback Ryan Nagelbach. Adding, "That's not our culture. Our culture was the reason we did not give up."

They certainly did not give up. Adam Pottinger muscled his way to pick up three yards, bringing the ball to the 25. After Nagelbach's scramble, the Warriors found themselves with a first and goal on the ten yard line. After not gaining any yards, it was 4th and 11 with just over two minutes left.

It was clear that this exactly the kind of situation the Warriors have been preparing for. "It's about what we've been doing everyday for the entire summer. On and off the field," added senior Defensive End Jake Fjeldheim. That cohesiveness shown through.

On 4th and 11, Nagelbach dropped back, with defenders in his face he threw a Touchdown pass to Pottinger, giving Deerfield their first lead of the game. Tight End Collin Ward scored the two point conversion, giving Deerfield a 27-24 lead. Ward explained, "What won us that game was never giving up. We have something special this year, we are going to fight to every last play."

With 1:55 left, the Lakes Eagles had the ball on their own 35. Lakes Quarterback Chris Selig had the chance to show off why Lakes was the runner up in the Northern Lake County conference last season. After a sack by Ward, a tackle for loss by Luke Woodson, and an incomplete pass, Selig faced 4th and 9 from the Eagles' own side of the field.

After throwing a bomb to Branden Nava, the the Warriors stopped any more progress. After Cory Siegal broke up a pass, Lakes faced a 40 yard field goal attempt to tie the game. With 18 seconds left, the Warriors called a time out to ice the kicker. When the kick went up, it was deflecting, as it fell far short of the uprights. With ten seconds left, the Warriors took a knee, giving the Warriors a well earned victory to give a confidence boost for the young season.

After the game, sophomore receiver Luke Jones explained, "everyone came together, took care of their responsibilities, and played for one collective goal," he called it, "a great team win."

The victory gave the Warriors their first victory over Lakes in several years. The win gives the Warriors a much needed confidence boost heading into a difficult non conference schedule. They face off at Grayslake North next week, before facing off against Rolling Meadows and then Schaumberg before heading into CSL North action.

Looking to the future, sophomore Kicker, Linebacker, and Running Back Luke Woodson is optimistic. "This team's culture will take us far, expect more than a nine game season," adding, "This team has mad potential."

Be sure to follow the Deerfield Patch each week, to stay up to date on the Deerfield Warriors football season.

Jake Leahy is a 2017 Deerfield High School graduate, Bannockburn school board member, and founder of Ladders LLC.