By Nikki Thomas and Emma Dalton, staff writers
When you walk into Jaskwhich Stadium on a rivalry night you can feel the tension in the air, and the buzz of anticipation for kick-off. However, for the Hawks the rivalry games are nothing intimidating. Last year, against Kenosha Bradford, Indian Trail dominated the entire game and left with a more than satisfying win, with an ending score of 42-14.
On this particular Friday, the student section is a sea of purple as the team sports their brand new purple jerseys. Their opponent for the night is Kenosha Tremper, whom the Hawks defeated last year with a final score of 24-21. With the 2014 seniors gone, quarterback Lane Ochs says they must rely heavily on their juniors. In fact, more than 50 percent of the starting line-up is juniors.
In the first three quarters, the Hawks come up short and Tremper stays in the lead, but fourth quarter is a turning point. Finally, the moment the crowd has been waiting for. Wide receiver Chase Fanelle catches the ball for a touchdown. Finally the Hawks pull into the lead. One of the biggest plays of the game occurred with 2:17 left, when Ochs faked a punt and made a 31-yard pass to Manny Jones. The Hawks hold Tremper, to end the game with a final score of 29-25, and another rivalry win for the Hawks.
With another victory added to the season, the Hawks still hold tight to a winning record. Coach Mike Mckay has stayed confident in the team and their ability to work hard at practice, and play even harder in games.
“As long as we control what we can control, and give their best effort, I think we got a good shot at beating anyone in the conference,” Mckay said. With the win against Racine Case the Hawks football team secures a spot in the playoffs.