On Saturday, November 7 at 2pm, our Knights took their final play on the field for the 2025 season. Against the Mustangs of Saint Rita, Central stood a chance to advance to the next round. With a close score of 31-28, the boys of the varsity football team unfortunately took a loss to close a whirlwind of a season.
This team was nothing but confident and greatly skilled. Every member of the team was constantly putting the work in, fighting for satisfaction in every ounce of time they had on that field. The energy and life fans saw being put into every game is truly unmatched. Not only did our Knights have a huge win over State Finalists Providence Catholic back in September, but they also took their dedication and strived for more; ending up in the second round of playoffs.
As we review football teams of the past, Lincoln-Way Central has made it a goal to change the dynamic of the football legacy. Coach Woodburn, as he is coming off another year of great victories, has always made sure each one of his athletes is pushed to his best ability. The Knightmares as our student section has taken on a huge role behind the scenes to get a deeper connection between the players and fans, creating a more uplifting and powerful atmosphere at games.
“This was a special group of seniors for me. With my son being on [the team], and I coached a lot of these guys since they were in the third grade on the Junior Knights football team, we have been waiting for this group to get to be the seniors. I just think the amount and effort they put in, we’re super proud of them, and even though we didn’t accomplish the goal that they wanted to, this will be a season they’re going to remember for a long time.” -Coach Dave Woodburn on how this last playoff game and as a season overall has affected him as a coach.
Saint Rita High School defeated Lincoln-Way Central by a score of 31-28 in Class 7a. The win of the Mustangs was secured by a last-second field goal from Saint Rita’s Saul Ruiz. The victory over the Knights ended their six-game winning streak and moved Saint Rita to a 7-4 record for the season. Central closed the season with a record of 9-2. As close as the score was, the game ended at the very last second. Everyone was devastated. The team made up of mostly juniors and seniors, and a couple sophomores, fought to the last second and did everything they could to hopefully secure a win and a chance at the next step.
Drew Woodburn (quarterback, senior) threw for three touchdowns, and Lucas Andresen (receiver, senior) who caught all three scores also ran for a touchdown. The Knights tied it at 28 with 2:50 left. Going onto the next season, these athletes are driven to something much more. The mark the seniors left in this group was truly remarkable. Onto bigger and better things to come.
“We’re going to try to build a new football team and carry on the legacies that were left by the last ones. The expectation is going to be to try to win a conference championship. It’s going to be very difficult with our schedule. It’s going to be to make the playoffs, and even further a deep run within the league. We are going to work extremely hard, get bigger, faster, and stronger in the off season. I kind of think that’s just what the Lincoln-Way Central football is now going to be about.” – Coach Dave Woodburn on expectations and goals upcoming for the next season.
