Whitman Wildcats Fall, But Homecoming Spirit Remains High

The Wildcats Cheerleaders pump up fans at Saturday’s homecoming game. Photo by Steve Bartholomew

The Wildcats played hard throughout Saturday’s homecoming 41-26 loss. Long Islander News Photo/Andrew Wroblewski

South Huntington School District trustees, from left, with Wildcat Willie, are Sidney Joyner, School Board President Nick Ciappetta and Andrew Bonson. Photo by Steve Bartholomew

The Walt Whitman Booster Club and other organizations operated food and drink stands, and held raffles in the courtyard next to the stadium. Long Islander News Photo/Andrew Wroblewski

The marching band provided an entertaining halftime performance for fans at Walt Whitman’s football stadium. Photo by Steve Bartholomew

South Huntington School District Deputy Superintendent Jacqueline Harris and Superintendent David Bennardo during Saturday’s homecoming parade. Photo by Steve Bartholomew

Members of Walt Whitman High School’s senior class stop for a picture before continuing their march in the homecoming parade Saturday morning. Photo by Steve Bartholomew

By Andrew Wroblewski
awroblewski@longislandergroup.com

Walt Whitman’s football stadium stands were packed with maroon Saturday afternoon for the Wildcats' annual homecoming festivities and game.

While the Wildcats ultimately fell to Sachem North, 41-26, in the game, spirits remained high in the stands and on campus.

The annual parade preceded the game, as students, staff, administrators and community members marched through the streets to Walt Whitman High School.

The Wildcats found themselves playing from behind early as Sachem North got out to a 21-0 halftime lead.

During the break there were several performances, including those by the Walt Whitman Marching Band and Dance Team.

However, the Wildcats fired back to open up the third quarter with a pair of touchdowns.

First wide receiver Leevon Black hauled in an 18-yard touchdown toss from quarterback Quinn O’Hara, who later threw another touchdown pass, this time for 19 yards, to put Whitman within striking distance.

Sachem North responded with two scores of its own, though, to extend its lead to 34-14 entering the final stanza. The Flaming Arrows opened up the fourth quarter with another touchdown, putting the game seemingly out of reach.

Whitman, however, did attempt to mount a comeback, scoring twice before the game came to an end, ultimately losing 41-26.

The loss in their final game of the season dropped the Wildcats to 2-6. Whitman’s victories this season came against Brentwood on Sept. 8 and Central Islip on Sept. 27.