For the first time since the 2011 season, the Jonathan Alder football team is on its way to the playoffs. The football team is also on track to become league champs for the first time since 2002. Head coach and science teacher Brett Glass said, “The atmosphere is starting to get back to the way it was. People around the school and the town are starting to talk about our team again.” When asked about the change with the football team, junior Austin Fooce stated, “Our hard work is starting to pay off now. We’re becoming a powerhouse again.”

    The team’s emergence into first place in their division of the MOAC and second seed in their playoff district would not have been possible without the breakout season of junior Andrew Koenig. The star free safety and receiver makes big plays on both sides of the ball each week. He helps lead the offense for the Pioneers by catching and running the ball multiple times every possession. He also is a huge part of the defense and leads the team in interceptions, with four. The second year starter also shines by returning punts and kickoffs for the team. His special teams performances are highlighted with a 86-yard kickoff return touchdown in week five against Pleasant.

    Although Koenig is having a terrific year, the team’s success boils down to their chemistry. Their ability to play through adversity has helped them keep their seven-game win streak alive. In weeks seven and eight, the Pioneers headed into halftime down 14-6. For the Pioneers, the first half of each of these games was filled with turnovers, missed opportunities and timid play by the defense. However, the Pioneers prevailed in both weeks, winning each contest at a score of 35 to 14.

    How were the Pioneers able to blow out their opponents in the second half? Senior receiver and defensive back Dean Karkut responded to this question by stating, “No one points fingers in the locker room. Being down makes us come together. We play for each other every week.”

    Jonathan Alder’s tough week nine matchup against the 6-2 River Valley Vikings once again exhibited the Pioneers’ ability to overcome adversity.