Things could have easily went south for the Charlotte High School varsity football team following a heartbreaking triple-overtime loss to Harper Creek on Oct. 19. Instead, the way the team battled all game ignited them.
Since that loss, the Orioles have pulled off back-to-back wins for the first time this season, defeating Marshall 21-7 on Oct. 3. The wins moved the Orioles to 3-3 on the season with a shot at making the MHSAA playoffs still in the picture.
“We had to start our playoffs a little earlier than most teams and our players have so far been up to the challenge,” said coach Jeff Finney.
Lose and the Orioles are likely out of the playoffs this year. With games at Pennfield and at home against Coldwater and Eaton Rapids remaining, Finney said his team is started to get healthy and playing good football at the right time.
“We are starting to get healthy again and will need to be at full strength to keep our playoff hopes alive,” Finney said.
The Orioles were down six starters against Marshall, but found a way to win. Finney said several of his players took the opportunity to step up this season and have really performed.
“Our senior class has worked hard to prove a lot of people wrong and have started playing pretty good football along the way,” he said. “We have improved every week and will need to continue that improvement to get to six wins.”
The first step is at Pennfield, scheduled for Friday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
“It is always one of our goals to make the playoffs,” Finney said. “These kids are no different. etting to the magical sixth win means a lot to this group. Pennfield is a great football program that will test our discipline.”
