At Downers Grove North High School Fri., Oct. 20, the York football team had their last game of the season. Although the game resulted in a loss, the players fought hard to win, especially the seniors knowing it was the last time they would take to the field as a Duke.

Every Friday students would attend the games decked out in everything from red white and blue to camo just to show their support for the team and motivate the players. Despite the fact that the season record resulted in 1-8, the seniors managed to win against Proviso West.

“My favorite part of the season was getting our first win, which was against Proviso West,” said co-captain Joey Jaeger. “Despite lack of meaning, it was nice to get one W on the board.”

Each season presents new obstacles for any team to overcome. Although this season had losses that were tougher than previous years, players continued to look on the bright side.

“This season the team experienced the most failure I have ever had in any sport,” said Jaeger. “But I took it as a learning experience.”

The players efforts never went unrecognized, with fans continuously cheering for the team while the players reciprocated the feelings by always working hard to win for the fans.

“They give a feeling that you can’t get anywhere else,” said Senior Luis Rozon. “All eyes are on you and it causes so many emotions to come out. It makes you want to play harder.”

Rozon isn’t the only one who appreciates the feeling the crowd gives to the players.

“Even though this season didn’t turn out the way we wanted it to, it was amazing to see the stands filled with students cheering no matter the score.” said offensive player George Angelos.

The spirit the fans bring to each game encourages the players to want to work their hardest and be the best on the field. The underclassman are lucky to have such a dedicated group of players to look up to, and learn from their regrets.

“One thing I wish I could’ve changed is preparing myself and teammates for the season better,” said Rozon. “Like hitting the weight room, practicing on our own, etc. The only way to be successful in football is to hit the weight room, and hit it hard.”

Not only that, but something every senior in high school can’t stress enough is how quickly the time went. But as a teammate and player the final season goes by even quicker, knowing it’s the last time you will be playing with the people you’ve spent every day with for the past three months. And after the last game, the realization can hit pretty hard.

“It wasn’t an easy thought to wrap my head around. There were a lot of tears that were shed between the seniors. No one could believe it’s over,” said Angelos. “I wish I didn’t take football for granted so much now that it is gone, and now knowing that I will never play another game, I miss it more than ever.”

Take it from the seniors, make the most of every club, activity, or sport in high school.

“Have fun with it, because before you know it it’ll all be over,” said Jaeger. “Playing football is something special but doesn’t last forever.”