The Timberwolf varsity football team (6-2, 4-0) secured their place in playoffs last Friday night in a 20-12 win against Vandegrift (4-5, 2-3) at Ed Monroe Memorial Stadium.
The 20-12 victory was a closer match than usual for the Timberwolves, who saw an 8-point lead in contrast to their average of 17.
Despite the dwindling lead, the Timberwolves clinched a playoff berth. The offense has proven their lead against the rest of the District 25 4-A teams with a four-win streak.
“We were supposed to make it to playoffs,” senior Roger Welch said. “And we have.”
Junior quarterback Nathan Grimm shattered the second school record in a row, completing 12 of 16 passes for 173 yards and three touchdowns.
In the last two games, junior Samuel Brock has established a Timberwolf advantage for deep passing. Brock, who caught an 80-yard touchdown last week for the longest pass in school history, received a 64-yard pass from Grimm for a touchdown in the first half.
Brock attributes accomplishments on the field to progress in practice.
“We condition a lot, so we always have energy on the field,” Brock said. “Touchdowns get me excited for the next game.”
Senior Nathan Harwell caught a 33-yard pass in the second half to bring the Timberwolves to a 14-3 lead.
Another pass from Grimm to senior Ethan Fry established the Timberwolves’ last of the 20 points, but the Vipers blocked the extra point and returned it 96 yards for two points.
T-shirts sold this week boasted whiteout conditions mixed with black rain, which is just what the defense delivered.
Junior Sean Angle caught an interception at the 42-yard line after Cedar Park was forced to punt with two timeouts remaining.
“Defense played as a team,” Angle said. “All did our part to shut them down.”
In their blackout game, the Vipers were stopped by Black Rain defense from all sides. They completed their lone touchdown in the fourth quarter with a halfback-pass from quarterback Jamie Hudson to Dylan Hosek.
Cedar Park continues in district play as they face Vista Ridge (7-1, 3-1) this Friday at Gupton Stadium.