After defeating North Scott last week, the Little Hawks drew a quarter final matchup against Cedar Rapids Washington. Coming in, the Little Hawks knew about the Warriors’ stout defense, but in the end, it was mostly self-inflicted wounds that did the Little Hawks in.

“Obviously, they created turnovers, and were aggressive just as advertised,” head coach Dan Sabers said. “You know, we were able to hurt them a couple times, but we just weren’t able to overcome the turnovers.”

City got off to a rough start with a scoop and score by Washington on a City High fumble on the first offensive series for the Little Hawks. The offense struggled to get going early, and the Little Hawks found themselves down 10-0 at the end of the first quarter. Momentum went back City’s way after Naeem Smith ’17 had an interception at the goal line to end a Washington drive and Nate Weiland ’17 found Vance Dillon ’17 down the sidelines for a long touchdown on the next play to make it 10-6. The Warriors were able to add on a field goal, and two more touchdowns to take a 27-6 lead into the locker room.

The Little Hawks were able to get some defensive stops in the second half, and late in the third quarter, cut the lead on a short touchdown run by Bryce Frantz ’17. Wieland added the two point conversion to make it 27-14. City’s best chance came when the Little Hawks were driving with under ten minutes to go in the game, but Weiland couldn’t find Gabe Nkumu ’17, which took away any momentum City might’ve had. City had another chance late, but the ball was batted up in the air and picked off by O’Rien Vance ’17 of Washington and returned inside the City High ten. City would get it back on a fumble, but would later throw another interception on a desperation heave by Wieland. Washington would tack on another field goal to secure its trip to the UNI-Dome, winning 30-14. In the end, it was a tough and emotional night for the seniors on the team, some of whom were fighting back tears after the game.

“It’s been a great ride with all these guys through elementary, junior high, and this, I’m sad it comes to an end, but I hope we taught the underclassmen the ways and hopefully they’ll have a great year next year,” Nate Wieland said of playing in his final high school game. Next time Wieland steps puts on a jersey, it will be for the University of Northern Illinois.

Washington advances to play Iowa City West in the UNI-Dome next Friday.