The Spartan Raptors’ playoff run came to an emotional end in the quarterfinals after a tough loss to Trumbull, but despite the final score being 41-24, the team walked away with pride, heart, and a season that will not be forgotten.

After finishing second in the league and putting together one of the strongest seasons in program history with a 5-1 record after previously going 0-5, the Spartan Raptors entered the playoffs with confidence and determination. Even when facing adversity against Trumbull, the Spartan Raptors refused to quit.

Head coach Mike Meyer said, “I am most proud that we never gave up and kept putting up scores to the very end. Our boys played with true heart.”

The loss hit the team hard after everything they had accomplished throughout the year.

“After we lost in the playoffs, I saw the sadness in everyone’s eyes,” Meyer said. “We had come so far by taking 2nd in the league, and the loss weighed heavily on everyone.”

For the 16 senior players, the emotions ran even deeper, knowing it was the last time they would wear the Raptors jersey. Senior Michael Capalbo described the feeling as heartbreaking.

“I felt sad and upset that I couldn’t do more for the team,” Capalbo said.

Still, to Capalbo the team’s resilience showed exactly what the Raptors were built on all season long.

“No matter how much we were down, the team never gave up and always kept giving their best,” Capalbo said, “It just showed the heart and dedication that this team had for each other.” Even at halftime, when the Spartan Raptors were trailing, nobody gave up on the game saying it was still 0-0, and the team continued to fight until the very end.

That bond between teammates became one of the defining parts of the season. According to Capalbo, the relationships formed off the field were just as meaningful as the games themselves.

“This team was like another family,” said Capalbo. “From talking before practices to going out for wings together, we became a brotherhood.”

As the final moments of the game came to a close, reality began to sink in for all the seniors. With five minutes left on the clock and the team down by three scores, the Spartan Raptors knew the game was out of reach.

“I didn’t know it would be my last game wearing the jersey until the very end of the game,” Capalbo said. “It felt like a piece of me was getting taken away. It meant I wouldn’t get to practice and play with my brothers again.”

For Meyer, the ending was especially emotional because of the years he had spent coaching many of the players.

“I have coached some of these players since they were 7 years old,” Meyer said. “It is tough to say goodbye to that. We are one big family.”

Instead of saying goodbye, Meyer reminded his players that the bonds built through rugby will continue long after the season.

“I told them all I expect to hear from them often today, tomorrow, and all the years to come,” Meyer said.

Although the Raptors fell short of a state championship, Meyer believes the team accomplished something special.

“Looking back, I wouldn’t change one darn thing,” Meyer said. “We gave it our all and succeeded like we never have before. We gave all we had to give and I couldn’t ask for anything more from these young men.”