The Chesterton Trojan football team closed out an outstanding year this on Friday November 6, with a close loss to Elkhart High School in the section championship game. After an upset against Penn High School the previous week, the first win vs Penn in school history, the Trojans were looking strong enough to bring home Chestertons first ever Sectional Football title as well. 

The Trojans faced several adversities, having lost several key players, as well as Head Coach Mark Peterson to COVID-19. Assistant Coach John Snyder stepped up to the plate as a substitute. Having coached the Trojans from the years of 2001 to 2012 before a brief stint at the college level, Snyder was up for the challenge. 

“First and foremost, I was worried for his health and his family,” said Snyder when he first heard about Coach Peterson. “In regards to coaching it was just a matter of stepping up and trying to help the team be as prepared as possible for whoever we would be playing.  As a coaching staff we had already put together a game plan for Penn so it was just a matter of fine tuning”.

“I would compare this season to a roller coaster.  Exciting, but with uncertainty what was to come next.  Ups and downs and a fun ride!  Very disappointing when it came to an end!  But, to keep things in perspective during a Pandemic, I am very grateful to have the opportunities to play as many games as we did.”

Senior Center Kody Farrington and Senior Guard Miguel Martinez have more in common than just both being offensive linemen, they both missed out on a football game due to being in close contact with a positive COVID-19 case. Farrinton, a senior, had to miss his last game ever  against Elkhart in the championship. 

“When the school called and said I had been in close contact, my heart sank. I was really hoping we could pull a win so I could come back for regionals, but we weren’t that lucky. All in all, it was a great season, and I couldn’t ask for better teammates to play for,”  Farrington continued.

Martinez, on the other hand, was able to return to the season after his quarantine, “I was relieved to hear we beat Penn, being able to suit up one last time really was a blessing. I’m happy we had the season we did, especially with all the challenges we faced.” 

The Trojans finished their season 5-5 and were able to capitalize on things that they’ve struggled with in the past. The sour ending of the season will leave a chip on the shoulder of every player and coach returning in the future.