“I’m not emotional before games,” Thomas Heisel ‘21 said. “I concentrate on what I and the team need to do to win, but I realized every sprint I ever ran and every weight I lever lifted had culminated in this final game, which felt weird.” 

The last Ransom Everglades football game of the season was emotional for all seniors, as the realization set in that they would never suit up in a Raider uniform again. Despite the emotions, the team united and rallied, winning the final game of the season in a 56-7 rout of True North Classical Academy while achieving something for the first time in Ransom Everglades history: an undefeated football season. 

“We executed on all cylinders and scored on every possession,” starting quarterback Thomas Schein ‘21 said. “The defense did what they had to do. They gave up one touchdown and few penalties but other than that they were solid. I’m proud of the team.” 

After jumping to an early 14-0 lead, the Raiders never looked back. Touchdowns from Thomas Schein ’21, Walker White ’21, Nick Lampert ’21, Nick Rubino ’23, and Bryce Sadler ’24 helped contribute to the winning effort. 

“This is a different type of bond,” Schein said. “For some reason Ransom football is different; you’re going to remember your teammates for the rest of your life. We’ve been through it all. People quit and come back; I think we almost got everyone back on the team that was on it in sixth grade. I love this team to death, and it’s a great way to go out 5-0, the first undefeated season in Ransom’s history. It just speaks to what the seniors are all about.” 

The returning senior group consisted of Walker White, Thomas Schein, Elliot Sable, Jackson Mopsick, Jake Martin, Thomas Heisel, Nick Lampert, Matthew Gallagher, and Chris Basile, along with new additions Hayes Holly, James Srebnick, Matthew Edelstein, and Lindsay Gould. They all walked off the field knowing they accomplished their goals for the season. 

For Lindsay Gould ‘21, the first female football player in Ransom Everglades’ history, the victory meant even more. “I’m honored to be the first female to play for Ransom,” Gould said. “This team is super welcoming, and I’m just glad I got to be a part of the program. The feeling of being on this team and the camaraderie is my greatest takeaway from the season. I’m so glad to be part of it.” 

This year has brought with it many extra responsibilities and disenchantments for the football team, including a truncated season and a lack of fans in the bleachers. But the hard work and dedication that started in August paid off.  

“This is just the perfect way to go out,” said Nick Lampert ’21.