Nov 13– Varsity football lost to the Paint Branch Panthers 18-7 in the first round of the playoffs, ending an 8-2 regular season record, while boys soccer defeated High Point in the State Semifinals 3-2, advancing to the state championships.

Football started off strong, taking a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter on a touchdown run by runningback Kevin Cecala. Although the boys dominated the rest of the half, forcing two turnovers, (a Michael Flack interception and a Sassan Nejad fumble recovery) neither team was able to score again.

In the second half, the tables turned as the Panthers put up 18 points to the Vikes’ zero. the initial go-ahead touchdown was set up by a controversial fourth down conversion where the referees called a catch what many Whitman players and fans believed was incomplete due to hitting the ground.

In soccer, forward Scott Gerfen had a hat trick as the boys advanced to the State Finals for the second time since 2000. Goalie Zack Khalifa had a great night in goal despite allowing two scores.