Eventual State Champion Three Rivers walks off the Hawkeyes 20-19.
By: Dillon Ruch
Hamilton’s 2003 football season came to a heartbreaking end one Friday night in October when the Hawkeyes lost to the Three Rivers Wildcats, 20-19, on a 31-yard field goal in the final seconds.
This loss ended the Hamilton Hawkeyes’ memorable season.
Hamilton came into this game with great confidence after a very successful regular season. The Hawkeyes were down at halftime, 17-7, but they fought their way back during the second half.
Quarterback Daniel Saenebouttareth helped lead this comeback, with much help from Dustin Smith and the linemen, including Mitch Bosch, dominating the line of scrimmage throughout the second half.
The Hawkeyes eventually took a 19-17 lead with just over a minute remaining in the fourth quarter after Dustin Smith kicked a 22-yard field goal. However, with an impressive drive led by the Wildcats’ starting quarterback, Nic Thompson, the Wildcats kicked a 31-yard field goal as time expired.
Despite a disappointing ending, head coach for the Hawkeyes, Cris Myers, praised his team for what they had accomplished that season.
Hamilton finished the historic season with a 10-1 record and won the Ok-Blue Conference championship. The coaches and players, especially seniors, created many memories that would last a lifetime.
“It’s tough,” said head coach Chris Meyers.
“It’s hard to see our seniors go. They’re all great kids. And they’ve done some amazing things on the football field.”
The game showed how quickly the sport of football can change. Hamilton came within seconds of advancing, but Three Rivers’ final drive sealed the game and ended the Hawkeyes ‘ season.
Even in the midst of defeat, Hamilton showed physicality, hard work, and determination.
A pass with Mitch Bosch blocking.