Wheaton Academy lost its final game of the season by a score of 49-28 to the Chargers of ACC. The Warriors found themselves in a 21-0 hole in the first quarter due to an ACC kickoff return for a touchdown and two long touchdown passes. Wheaton Academy first got on the board late in the first quarter on a
David Thrasher 15-yard touchdown pass to
Sam Martinez. It was a spectaucular catch in the back of the end zone and shifted momentum towards the Warriors momentarily. The Warrior defense held on the next series and the offense was able to march the length of the field again to score, this time on a 1-yard touchdown run by
Camden Meade to cut the lead to 21-14. The Warriors were unable to keep ACC off the board before halftime as the Chargers scored on the last play of the half to make it 28-14.
Wheaton Academy hoped to close the gap in the third quarter, but after turning the ball over on the opening possession of the second half, ACC was able to capitalize and scored on a 15-yard run. After another special teams touchdown by the Chargers, this time on a 91-yard punt return, ACC opened the lead to 42-14.
David Thrasher connected on his second touchdown of the night with
Marino Costello for a 12-yard touchdown and the Warriors made it 42-21. ACC was able to score again through the air, and Wheaton Academy tacked on a late score on another Thrasher pass to Martinez to account for the 49-28 final score.
David Thrasher completed 23 of 41 passes for 257 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Sam Martinez caught 8 passes for 108 yards and 2 TDs.
Marino Costello also caught 8 passes for 94 yards and 1 TD.
Camden Meade was the leading rusher, carrying the ball 17 times for 66 yards and 1 TD.
On defense,
Kyle Maranhas lead all tacklers with 10 total stops.
Evan Williams had 4 total tackles and 1 fumble recovery.
The loss on Friday night meant the end of the season for the Warriors. Heading into the game, many expected that Wheaton Academy would make the playoffs, even with a loss in the final game. The Warriors were tied for the final spot in the playoffs and lost the tiebreaker. Though an unexpected end, it was a great season overall and the first time the football program has ended the season with a winning record since 2010.
