Bounce Back

Following Friday, October 6th’s embarrassing loss to Southeast Polk, Waukee is looking to bounce back in the next two games against Des Moines Roosevelt and Council Bluffs and make a potential run in the playoffs. There was a lot of hype surrounding last Friday’s game between the Warriors and the Rams, as it was selected as the 5A CIML Game of the Week by Bound Iowa. Waukee was heavily disappointed in their performance after a week’s long preparation.

Junior Kick Returner and Wide Receiver, George Hinke was heavily underwhelmed by the team’s performance on their Senior Night. “I was disappointed after losing against Southeast Polk, it was our Senior Night, and I really wanted to win it for the older guys, and it sucks we couldn’t get it,” Hinke stated. Senior Safety Mason Brooks was also very disappointed, but he has already left the loss in the past and is focused for the next few weeks ahead. “I was disappointed, but not too bad because we’re still going to make the playoffs.” Brooks has made a massive impact this year so far while being second on the team in tackles with 28 total tackles, and an interception. He hopes to carry his stellar season into the playoffs. Similarly, Sophomore Quarterback Beckett Bakker expressed his frustration this past Monday following the loss. “I was very disappointed because we did not play nearly up to our potential or expectations,” he said. Bakker, only being a Sophomore, has thrown for just under 900 yards this season, as well as 10 touchdowns. 

When asked if fans were starting to doubt the Warriors, Safety Mason Brooks replied, “I’d say yes. If you didn’t watch the game you would think it was more out of reach than it really was. The first half we beat ourselves more than they beat us.” Despite the loss to Polk, there is still a strong sense of excitement in the air as Waukee looks towards the future and leaves that game in the past. The Warriors are now preparing for the upcoming weeks, as well as the playoffs. Beckett Bakker stated that the team is moving on from last Friday’s loss, but is keeping it in the back of their minds as fuel to bounce back.