By Mubarrat Choudhury

With hopes for a playoff spot shattered, Richardson’s football season came to a close with a 43-0 loss to Highland Park.

“Our season had its ups and downs, but what really matters is how well we played as a team,” senior Jackson Townsend said.

The defeat marked the end of any hope for the playoffs, but the players said they still found positives to take from the season.

“Football was a blast,” senior Clay Wilkinson said. “It was disappointing coming so close to making the playoffs. The best moment this season was beating Pearce 48-30 at our Homecoming game.”

The team ended their season with a 3-4 record, with the possibility of a playoff spot.

“I am very proud of the way the team competed this year,” coach Brian Chandler said. “We made it to the last game of the year with playoff possibilities. The seniors showed great leadership, and the juniors followed their lead.”

With a long off-season coming, players reflected on the bonds created this past season.

“When we lost, we lost as a team and didn’t point fingers,” Townsend said. “When we won, we celebrated as a family. I wouldn’t have wanted to put on the pads with anyone else except for my teammates.”

[royalslider id=”121″]