One loss won't define Lancaster's season
LANCASTER — There is nothing worse than watching a team that just played their hearts out come up short.
Lancaster’s 28-21 double overtime loss to Gahanna last Friday was heartbreaking, but as devastating as it was, in the long run, the Golden Gales became a better team.
Lancaster coach Rob Carpenter said it was a tough loss, but the Gales became a better team by going through such a high-level, intense game. Down the road, playing a game like that will benefit them.
No one likes to lose, especially that way, but the Gales showed a lot of grit and determination when things weren’t going their way, especially in the first half. But they came out in the second half and did what great teams do: They made adjustments and overcame a 7-0 deficit to take a 14-7 lead.
A few little things proved to be the difference, but sometimes, you just have to give the other team credit for making plays when they had to, which is what Gahanna did in the first and second overtimes.
“It was a tough loss and unfortunately, we are going to have a lot of guys with heavy hearts, but we don’t have time for that because we have a short week,” said Lancaster coach Rob Carpenter right after last Friday’s game. “It is big-boy time and we have to rally up and get ready for the next game.”
Indeed they do. Lancaster will travel to Reynoldsburg on Thursday for an important Ohio Capital Conference-Ohio Division game. The Gales still have a lot to play for these next three weeks.
Coming back from such a tough loss is never easy, but if there is ever a team that can put it behind them, it’s Lancaster.
The players and coaches have done a great job all season of taking one game at a time. When you are winning, it’s so easy to look ahead, but watching how the Gales prepare each week, I can attest to the fact they have only focused on each week.
The coaches do a great job of making sure of the players are prepared and focused, and I’m sure this week will be no different.
Friday’s loss should be just a blip on the radar screen for the Gales. Sure, they lost, but they just as easily could have won. Regardless of the outcome, you have to move onto the next week.
Lancaster has proved a lot of people wrong this season by starting the season 6-0. The Gales have beaten some quality teams, which is why they only dropped from No. 1 to No. 2 in the Division I, Region 2 computer poll.
The mark of a great team, however, is how they react when they face adversity. There is no doubt in my mind the Gales will bounce back in a positive way when they take on the Raiders Thursday night.
The coaches will have them prepared, and it will be up to the players to go out and execute the game plan. Again, watching this group in practice and how they go about their business, I have zero doubt they will give 100 percent effort to get back on track.
It has been a special season so far the Gales, and I’m sure they aren’t about to let one heartbreaking loss define their season.
twilson@lancastereaglegazette.com
740-681-4358
Twitter: @twil2323
