WINDSOR — On Friday night, two of the top Class 4A football teams went into battle unsure of whether or not the outcome would be in their favor.
Ultimately, it was No. 4 Windsor which beat Thompson Valley 7-6.
Windsor was clinging to a 7-0 lead with five minutes to play when Thompson Valley’s Mike Berg returned a blocked punt for a 30-yard score. That made it 7-6, with a chance to tie on the point-after.
“I was just doing anything I could to get the team in a better position to win,” Berg said.
But the Eagles were called for a personal foul after the touchdown, setting the try up from the 18-yard-line.
(Aislyn Carrillo/CHSAANow.com)
The kick missed, and Windsor remained in front. The remainder of the fourth quarter was intense and hectic.
With less than 30 seconds left, Windsor forced and recovered a fumble to preserve the win.
Both the Wizards and Eagles came out strong at the start of the game but both teams’ defenses fought hard and did not allow many chances for the opposing team to score.
And flags were flying frequently. A total of 17 penalties were called during the first half, and six in the second.
Windsor seemed to warm up a little faster than Thompson Valley did, continuously making their way down the field. Starting running back Brandon Ramirez was carrying for the Wizards when Thompson Valley’s Austin Emrick not only stopped him, but stopped the whole game.
Ramirez was escorted off the field, unable to put any weight in his left leg. According to Windsor head coach Chris Jones, they will be going to the trainer on Saturday to figure out whether or not Ramirez will be able to play in the postseason.
“We’re training new guys each week to fill in and play,” said Jones regarding a potential injury for Ramirez. “We will go through this week of practices to see who can get ready.”
Windsor took a 7-0 lead with just under seven minutes left in the second quarterback when quarterback Brad Peeples scored.
Both coaches recognize that the game was heavy in penalties, and said in the future they need to reduce the amount of penalties they receive. The Eagles and Wizards have a positive mindset going into their final game of the regular season next week.
Jones plans on going over film with his team tomorrow to address and fix errors.
“We have to work on moving the chains and eliminate the passes down the middle,” Jones said.