Vikings seniors recognized while football team suffers "tough" loss

What started as a defensive battle between Wareham High School and Nauset Regional High School turned into a high-powered offensive showcase resulting in a 22-24 Wareham defeat on senior night.

The teams played in front of many cheering fans at Spillane Field at Wareham High School Friday, Nov. 1. This game marked the end of the regular season for the Vikings and despite the "tough" loss, head coach Cy Bariteau said he was proud of the way his team battled.

"We fought, the kids played hard once again right until the very end," said Bariteau. "We're proud of what they put on the field today."

Baritreau added that after a slow start offensively in the first half of the game, the Vikings were able to adapt and score 22 points in the second half.

"[Nauset] was running something similar to what we run defensively so it was a lot of what we see in practice and we knew we could move the ball on them" said Baritreau.

The game ended with some officiating controversy. After driving almost the length of the field with one minute and 47 seconds left on the clock, Wareham had a chance to take the lead with five seconds left.

Quarterback Amare Rose attempted a pass into the end zone that was initially ruled incomplete. However, after some discussion, the referees overturned the call, leading to a Wareham touchdown, only to reverse their decision minutes later, resulting in a 22-24 Wareham loss.

"It was a controversial ending," said Bariteau. "I don't really understand it and we'll see what we can do about that."

Despite the loss, Senior Captain Payton Calvin was proud of the way he and his team played on senior night.

"My guys played hard," said Calvin. "That's a division four team and we're division eight. It was a really great game for us."

Calvin has been playing football in Wareham for the past nine years, beginning when he was eight years old.

"This means a lot to me," said Calvin. "Going out with all my brothers and my seniors means a lot."

Calvin and the other senior members of the football team were not the only ones recognized. The senior members of both the Wareham Cheerleading team and the Wareham Pep Band also received senior night honors.

Bean Andrade, a senior saxophone player, reflected on their four years in pep band.

"It's been fantastic, I've gotten so attached to this program," said Andrade. "It's such a safe place for me."

Andrade explained music has had a positive impact on their life.

"It gives me something to do that isn't just sit and do nothing," said Andrade. "It has improved my social circle as well because I have made a lot of friends within the band program."

Andrade added they plan on continuing music in college while they pursue a degree in child care.

Senior Cheerleader Lily Hagen said her two years of cheerleading experience has given her a strong support system and has helped keep her in shape both mentally and physically.

"I love the environment of the girls and I like to come cheer and see all my friends," said Hagen.

The Vikings football team will take on Old Rochester Regional High School Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 1 p.m. at Wareham High School.